Hearing about the healing qualities of plants, many immediately imagine rare meadow grasses or bushes lost in the wilderness. But even the usual garden crops are able to improve their well-being. To see this, a quick glance at the recipes of traditional medicine, which often feature a pumpkin and its seeds, is enough. Let us find out the secret of their centuries-old popularity.
What contain pumpkin seeds
They are rich in valuable compounds that are necessary for our body. Let's start with vitamins. If you take 100 g of dry seeds, then this mass accounts for 63 mg of choline (vitamin B4) and 35.1 mg of gamma-tocopherol (this is a form of vitamin E). Other substances are widely represented:
- Vitamin PP, also known as nicotinic acid, 5 mg;
- "pure" vitamin E - 2.18 mg;
- ascorbic acid - 1.9 mg;
- B vitamins in the total mass - 1.3 mg. Thiamine B1 (0.273 mg) and riboflavin (B2) stand out against the general background, of which here is 0.153 mg;
- a bunch of lutein and zeaxanthin in a dose of 74 μg;
- vitamin K - 7.3 mcg;
- Vitamin A - 1 mcg.
A large amount of vitamin E is also found in almonds, chard, walnuts, sea buckthorn, rosehip, spinach, and linseed oil.
With minerals the picture is as follows:
- the main macronutrient is phosphorus - 1.23 g for the same total weight;
- there is also a lot of potassium with magnesium - 809 and 592 mg, respectively;
- less calcium - 46 mg;
- the list of trace elements opens iron (8.82 mg) and zinc (7.8 mg);
- a little less sodium - 7 mg;
- manganese is present in the proportion of 4.54 mg;
- Copper and selenium are assigned the role of excipients - the score goes to micrograms (1343 and 9.4 mcg).
Important! Among the components are trans fats (64 mg). With regular intake of the product in a fried form, this may affect the cholesterol balance of the body (and not in the best way).
Speaking of pumpkin seeds, you can not ignore and fatty acidWith which this product is so rich. Superiority among them - for polyunsaturated acids, giving a total of 20.9-21 g. Mostly, these are the most valuable compounds of the type Omega-6 in the amount of 20.6 g, vital for the normal functioning of the body. 
We recommend that you read about how to properly dry pumpkin seeds.
They are supplemented with omega-3 substances, albeit in already more modest doses - 0.12 g. Among monounsaturated, no less valuable omega-9 (also oleic acid) stands alone - 16.1 g. The amount of saturated fatty acids is reduced to 8, 65 g (the main ones are palmitic and stearic).
By part calorie content Such seeds are classified as nourishing foods: 556 kcal / 100 g for raw and about 600 for fried. In this regard, they are second only to sunflower seeds.
In the structure of nutritional value, the first place for fats is 49 g, proteins here are 30.23 g, and carbohydrates - 10.7 g. Dietary fibers are allocated 6 g, and water with ash is almost equal: 5.2 and 4.7 g.
Did you know? Homeland pumpkin - Mexico. Having studied the most ancient of the seeds found there, archaeologists came to the conclusion that this culture is about 6 thousand years old.
About the benefits
A product with such characteristics is simply obliged to benefit humanity. 
We advise you to read about the benefits of pumpkin, as well as how to save this vegetable until spring.
And really - the usual pumpkin raw materials have many healing abilities, namely:
- powerful anthelmintic action. In seeds, among other things, also contains the enzyme cucurbitin. It is safe for intestinal tracts, but for parasites it is the strongest paralyzing agent;
- mild laxative effect, normalization of digestion and bile circulation;
- improvement of metabolism - seeds include in the diet of people in the period of exhaustion and general weakness (this ensures the flow of nutrients);
- support the work of the heart muscle (this is the merit of magnesium) and the cleaning of blood vessels, including cholesterol;
- replenishment of bone tissue with useful substances in the form of ions (prevention of osteoporosis);
- removal of skin inflammations and rashes, even of a chronic nature;
- reducing the risk of urolithiasis;
- brain stimulation, memory improvement;
- help the nervous system, weakened by stress and neurosis.
For women
In folk and "official" medicine, as well as cosmetology, such useful qualities of pumpkin seeds are widely used as:
- regulation of hormonal balance - the seeds are saturated with estrogen;
- the possibility of menopause bias (with regular use it is quite real);
- recovery of the genitourinary system at any age;
- blood pressure stabilization;
- support of the vital forces of the body (for example, during recovery after surgery);
- treatment of anorexia in the initial stage, to which sometimes lovers of hard diets bring themselves;
- support in the tone of the nervous system.
Products that benefit women’s health also include broccoli, beans, cranberries, walnuts, and blueberries.And, of course, the cosmetological effect - a noticeable moisturizing of the skin of the face and softening of the dermis due to the deep action of oleic and linoleic acids.
Important! If you include seeds in the recipe for vegetable salad, it will somewhat reduce the risk of getting better. Moreover, fresh greens are considered to be a kind of catalyst for substances that pumpkin seeds are rich in.
Their contact with epithelial cells is enhanced by the presence of vitamin E, which protects the structural layer of the skin from the penetration of harmful molecules. All this also has a good effect on the condition of hair and nails.
For men
The main value of this natural product for men is its soft, but at the same time, a strong impact on the work of the prostate gland. Zinc and other elements protect an important organ from the penetration of infections that are fraught with inflammation, and in the future - dysfunction.
Seeds are widely used for the prevention of prostatitis in men older than 40 years, and, if necessary, for the treatment of the initial stage. They are also useful for young men - pumpkin raw materials are considered one of the best products for the normal formation of sperm. It also helps maintain potency at any age.
The use of bitter pepper, melon, scorzonera, periwinkle, parsley, hazelnut, ginger, horseradish, thyme, saffron, asparagus, shooter of garlic, nutmeg, mountain woman also has a positive effect on potency.
If we move away from such delicate topics, it will turn out that these seeds can prevent early baldness and build muscle, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and increase working capacity.
Terms of Use
Having convinced of the obvious benefits of seeds, you should not lose sight of the question of their competent processing and use. Due to the high caloric content, these moments require increased attention.
How to quickly clean
It is very simple: seeds are extracted from the pumpkin, after which they are kept in water for several minutes. So it will be easier to remove the remaining veins and flesh. It remains to wash the grains and lay out to dry on a towel. After the seeds have dried, you need to take the scissors and cut the sheath around the edges (thickened part of it).
After that, you just need to press on the side walls of the seed - the nucleolus easily falls into your hand. Such raw materials are the most useful. It tastes damp and even fresh, but be sure the body will get all the necessary substances and minerals. 
Did you know? In Europe, the pumpkin caught on only in the XVII century.
Is it possible to eat with a peel
Gastroenterologists advise to refrain from this method of use. The fact is that even having chewed the skin well, a person risks getting damage to the intestinal wall or even appendicitis type inflammation. Remember that the shell remains rough even after processing.
How much can you afford per day
The average daily rate is about 50-60 g. There is one nuance here: this figure is for healthy, moderately active people. As for those who are predisposed to weight gain or are practicing diet, it can be somewhat reduced: after all, it is a high-calorie product.
In the treatment of various diseases, the dose usually increases (if the doctor has approved this menu item). Thus, in the fight against prostatitis or sexual weakness, they operate with a figure of 60-100 g, and the same amount is taken to normalize the work of the nervous system. 
Dosage during the elimination of worms depends on age: adults take 300 g in several approaches, while babies of 3-4 years are given a maximum of 75. In any case, it is better to begin reception with reduced portions - this way you can control the body's response.
Important! Tune in to combat parasites with the participation of folk remedies, be sure to notify the attending specialist (especially if the patient is a child).
Is it possible for the night
The use of seeds a couple of hours before bedtime is another condition for the proper use of a natural product. Usually they are eaten during dinner (as an additive to dishes) or 45 minutes or an hour after it.
Be sure to drink water, otherwise in the stomach can be felt barely noticeable, but still unpleasant cutting pain. Naturally, it is undesirable to take a “shock” dose before going to bed.
Is there any use in fried
Loved by many roasted pumpkin seeds tastes better than raw. But their useful properties are much less. 
There is a reason for this: when heated to over +45 ° C, a good half of valuable substances and compounds evaporate from raw materials, and natural fats are oxidized (and this is a direct threat of extra kilos).
The amount of food eaten matters: the calorie content of the fried product is comparable to the calorie content of the pork shish kebab. This is enough to treat his reception with all care.
Why can bitter
Fresh seeds of sweet taste, but a distinct bitterness in the sample should be alerted. Most likely, you caught the seeds that were stored or processed with violations, or just old material.
It is better to refuse such food in view of quite big risk to receive serious indigestion.
Did you know? The Indians began to use the pumpkin for decoration long before the Europeans: from the dried strips the Native American craftsmen wove rugs.
Is it possible
There is a category of people who have to be especially careful about their diet. You, probably, guessed that the discussion will deal with future mothers, nursing mothers and their babies.
During pregnancy
Gynecologists with obstetricians know about the benefits of pumpkin seeds for expectant mothers and often include small doses of this product in their menu.
This is logical, because in the process of childbirth seedlings help:
- stabilize emotional state;
- prevent the development of anemia and chronic constipation;
- improve vision;
- protect the weakened body from the attacks of parasites;
- remove swelling;
- get rid of the symptoms of toxemia;
- strengthen the muscles of the abdominal area;
- cover the need for beneficial substances and compounds.
In the absence of contraindications and the condition of proper reception, the seeds can be consumed without regard for the duration of pregnancy. Raw grains are eaten on an empty stomach, washed down with water.
With HB
During lactation, the intake is started a month after delivery - this allows you to increase the volume of breast milk. At the same time, the mother's digestion returns to normal, and the basic systems of the body receive much-needed support in the form of minerals and enzymes.
Important! During the period of breastfeeding should be consumed raw pumpkin seeds, because fried not only will not bring benefits, but also can adversely affect the digestive tract of the baby.
If a woman is not allergic, use is done daily - 50-100 seeds per day (depending on the state of health and the reaction of the baby to this supplement). To protect the esophagus, raw materials are replaced with pumpkin oil (2-3 tablespoons per day). 
For children
The combination of mild action with tangible effect comes in handy if the child has difficulty digestion, anxiety or there are serious concerns about the strength of his immunity (especially during the cold season).
Check out the recipes for making delicious pumpkin muffins and pumpkin honey.
Sore throat, flu, ORVI, avitaminosis - pumpkin seed can handle all these troubles. The main thing is to give the baby a dose commensurate with his age: for the youngest there will be enough 10-15 stuff, while a 4-year-old toddler can be given twice as much.
Pay attention to the "tolerance" by age. Seeds are forbidden for children under 1.5 years old. From 1.5 to 3 years, only carefully crushed kernels are used (as well as from 3 to 5, although at this time, small whole seeds are slowly included in the diet).
Did you know? Pumpkin grows everywhere (except perhaps Antarctic).
What harm can bring
Even such a useful product requires caution. Harm from the use is connected, basically, with wrong reception. When planning to eat pumpkin seeds, keep in mind that:
- cleaning the skin with your teeth can easily damage the tooth enamel. If there are other dental problems (sensitive gums), the sensations will be much stronger and more unpleasant;
- bust with the amount of dangerous feeling of heaviness in the stomach or even indigestion (alternatively, constipation, which is typical for those who have not tried this product before);
- fat-rich seeds can cause the appearance of new sediments;
- the consequences of improper roasting can be much sadder: having overheated the raw materials in a heated frying pan, it is thereby saturated with carcinogens that hits the heart and vessels.
To avoid such difficulties, it is advisable to remember the sense of proportion, preferring the dried rather than the fried variety. It would also be good to consult a doctor before taking this product. 
Who can not
There are direct contraindications. Doctors prohibit the taking of pumpkin seeds in any form to people diagnosed with:
- individual intolerance;
- stomach ulcer and poor intestinal permeability;
- gastritis on the background of increased acidity;
- diseases of the joints (the presence of salts runs the risk of stiffness);
- obesity.
Particular caution is recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus - the reception takes place under the supervision of a physician (to exclude "jumps" in blood sugar levels). Relative contraindications include caries and periodontal disease.
We learned the valuable seeds of pumpkin, and what to do to wrap up their reception for the benefit of health. We hope our readers will appreciate all the advantages of this natural product and show accuracy in use. 
