Tasty and healthy medicine from your own garden: pumpkin treatment for a number of diseases

Pumpkin is a tasty, inexpensive and very healthy product. This vegetable has long been used not only in cooking, but also in the treatment of many pathologies. Traditional medicine considers the pulp of pumpkin fruits as a universal remedy for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of diseases.

Is this really so, and is it true that the vegetable has unique healing abilities? Find out from this article about pumpkin treatment, what contraindications exist, in what form to consume to get the maximum benefit, and what can be prepared from it.

The benefits and harms of pumpkin

What are the benefits of pumpkin for human health? Vegetables are considered essential products: they are necessary for normal human growth and development, slowing down the aging process, maintaining the functions of the cardiovascular, genitourinary, digestive and nervous systems.. The versatile effect is due to the fact that the chemical composition is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, iron, calcium, zinc and many other vital elements.

Among the main functions of the vegetable are the following::

• strengthens and improves the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels in the brain and heart;
• is an effective means of preventing atherosclerosis, ischemia, and heart failure;
• stabilizes high blood pressure;
• normalizes metabolism;
• supports hemodynamic processes at the physiological level;
• slows down the aging process in the body;
• plays an important role in the formation of new cells;
• activates metabolism;
• removes salts of heavy metals, waste, toxins from the body;
• has a diuretic and laxative effect;
• takes part in the formation of antimicrobial immunity;
• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• protects the liver from the aggressive influence of external and internal factors;
• calms the nervous system;
• normalizes weight;
• strengthens bone tissue.

Separately, it is necessary to note the usefulness of pumpkin for men. Its components take part in the production of steroid hormones, the presence of which is necessary to maintain sexual health, sexual functions, the formation of muscle tissue, the prevention of prostatitis, and infertility. Zinc and phosphorus improve the composition of sperm, increase sexual activity, and ensure sperm motility, which makes fertilization possible.

Reference! Experts recommend consuming pumpkin during pregnancy, as it saturates the body of the mother and unborn child with vitamins, micro- and macroelements necessary for normal growth and development of the fetus.

Even the healthiest product has pros and cons, and pumpkin is no exception.. All the same components of the composition, if used haphazardly, can cause harm to the body. Thus, an excess of retinol (vitamin A) can provoke vomiting, nausea, yellowing of the skin, exacerbation of cholelithiasis, headaches, and pain in the lower extremities.

Pumpkin threatens the health of patients with stage 1 diabetes. Due to the presence of fructose, sucrose and lactose in the composition, it can cause an increase in blood glucose levels, which threatens the development of complications: renal failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, gangrene of the extremities, and in the worst case, death occurs.

You should not eat pumpkin raw when gastritis with high acidity, stomach and duodenal ulcers, so as not to cause exacerbation of the pathology, intensification of symptoms.

Composition, vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin fruits contain a large number of biologically active components. Pumpkin is a source of protein, carbohydrates, and contains virtually no fat (0.3 g per 100 g of product).

The chemical composition of pumpkin is rich in components such as:

• water - 92%;
• vitamins of group B, C, A, E, PP, K, D;
• cellulose;
• pectin;
• amino acids;
• a nicotinic acid;
• omega-3 fats;
• glucose.

Of the minerals present in pumpkin fruits: calcium, potassium, copper, iodine, iron, zinc, phosphorus, vanadium, cobalt, silicon, rubidium, sulfur, sodium, fluorine.

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Medicinal properties

What does pumpkin cure? Traditional medicine has long used the vegetable for hypertension, atherosclerosis, anemia, prostatitis, impotence, and cirrhosis of the liver.. Thanks to its rich chemical composition, pumpkin affects the condition and functions of various organs and systems. According to nutritionists, if you regularly consume the vegetable in a few days, you can cleanse the body of waste and toxins, improve overall well-being, increase endurance and performance.

Due to the large amount of protein and carbohydrates in the composition and the low percentage of fat content, pumpkin is included in baby and diet food. Plant fiber removes excess liquid, cleanses the digestive tract, provides a feeling of fullness, which allows you to reduce the size of portions and normalize weight. The ability of pumpkin to suppress the inflammatory process, neutralize congestion, and destroy pathogenic microorganisms is used to treat prostatitis and infections of the genitourinary system.

Pumpkin pulp is indicated for people with digestive diseases, in particular with damage to liver tissue. The vegetable has a hepatoprotective effect: it restores liver activity, has a detoxification effect, ensures replenishment and synthesis of the required amount of protein, protects biological membranes from the action of undesirable factors of the external and internal environment.

Calcium in pumpkin is an important element of electrolyte balance. It is necessary for the contraction of muscle fibers, transmission of nerve impulses, and normal functioning of the blood coagulation system. In addition, it promotes the formation of bone and dental tissue, increases bone mineral density, and inhibits their destruction.

What and how does pumpkin heal?

Pumpkin has a choleretic, anti-inflammatory, and restorative effect., improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, relieves anxiety, relieves constipation.

The pulp of the fruit is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases such as:

• gout;
• cholelithiasis;
• diabetes;
• cholecystitis;
• hepatitis;
• heart failure;
• ischemia;
• mastopathy;
• atopic dermatitis;
• haemorrhoids;
• prostatitis;
• obesity;
• nervous disorders;
• atherosclerosis;
• hypertension;
• impotence;
• endometrial pathology.

In winter, pumpkin is taken to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and to increase the protective functions of the immune system., prevent infection from entering the upper respiratory tract.

Pumpkin treatment

Below we will look at what is a vegetable useful for a certain disease, in what form and how to use it correctlyso as not to harm the body.

For gout

Pumpkin for gout increases the effectiveness of antibiotics, has a diuretic effect, prevents the reabsorption of uric acid and accelerates its excretion, reduces the synthesis of urate microcrystals, thereby preventing salt deposition. The benefit of the fruit in the treatment of gouty arthritis lies in its ability to restrain inflammatory reactions, reduce the severity of symptoms, and improve the composition and condition of osteochondral tissue.

Traditional medicine suggests using pumpkin raw or after heat treatment to treat gout. It is boiled, stewed, baked, steamed, processed into juice and puree. Pumpkin seeds and oil are also used for medicinal purposes.

For cholelithiasis

Pumpkin has a choleretic and hepatoprotective effect for cholelithiasis:

• stimulates cellular immunity;
• lowers cholesterol levels;
• reduces the level of dangerous acids;
• dissolves cholesterol stones;
• stimulates the production of bile and its secretion;
• protects the digestive organs from the influence of bile acid salts.

The vegetable is useful in any form. The fruits are also used for making desserts, jam, and pudding.

For cholecystitis

For cholecystitis, pumpkin is recommended as a choleretic agent to stimulate bile formation and improve the outflow of bile, reducing the concentration of bile acids, which are toxic to organ cells. Regular consumption of vegetables has a beneficial effect on the state of the cell membranes of the gastrointestinal tract: they become immune to the influence of aggressive external and internal factors.

Important. For the treatment of cholecystitis, pumpkin seeds, oil or pumpkin juice are preferable.

For mastopathy

Mastopathy is a disease of the mammary glands, characterized by the appearance of dense, painful formations. Pumpkin helps get rid of fibrocystic growths, alleviate the severity of symptoms, and has an immunomodulatory and tonic effect on the body. In addition, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

For mastopathy, the pulp of the fetus is consumed raw or baked, stewed, boiled, or prepared as compresses. for outdoor use. For medicinal purposes, pumpkin juice, seeds, and oil are taken.

For diabetes

Opinions about the benefits of pumpkin for diabetes are controversial. Due to the presence of sugar in the composition, it is recommended to consume fruits in limited quantities. The vegetable is necessary for proper nutrition of diabetics, as it saturates the body with proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and contains virtually no fat, which allows you to control weight.

Besides, the product normalizes metabolism, is a good antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals, plays an important role in the formation of new cells, reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. The composition contains chiro-inositol, which is responsible for the production of insulin in the body.

For diabetes mellitus, pumpkin pulp, seeds, oil are consumed as an independent food product or combined with other. Pumpkin flowers accelerate the healing processes of wounds and trophic ulcers, which often bother patients. Dried inflorescences are ground into powder and applied to the damaged area.

For atopic dermatitis

Pumpkin is included in the list of products with a low degree of allergenic activity, therefore it is allowed on the menu for atopic dermatitis. Consumption of the product satisfies the body's needs for zinc, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, C, E and other useful micro- and macroelements. The presence of nicotinic acid in the composition has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

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For cholesterol

Pumpkin fruits are rich in plant fiber, which well cleanses the digestive tract, kidneys, blood, renal system, and removes excess fluid from the body.

Among the main functions of the product against cholesterol are the following::

• normalizes metabolic processes;
• regulates protein synthesis;
• improves intestinal motility;
• activates the outflow of bile;
• equalizes blood pressure;
• prevent the accumulation of lipids, which is important for preventing damage to the arteries by cholesterol deposits.

For prostatitis

Pumpkin for prostatitis acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, activates metabolism and hemodynamic processes, destroys pathogenic microorganisms, which has a beneficial effect on the course of the disease.

With the help of regular consumption of vegetables, you can shorten the course of treatment, reduce the need for medications, alleviate the severity of symptoms, prevent chronicity of the disease and the development of complications.

Pumpkin pulp is used to treat inflammation of the seminal gland., more often - in combination with honey: pumpkin seeds are prepared with honey water. Medicine for microenemas, suppositories and tampons for rectal administration are obtained from pumpkin oil.

For hemorrhoids

For hemorrhoids, alternative medicine advises including pumpkin pulp in your daily diet.. The vegetable has an anti-inflammatory and laxative effect, saturates the body with useful micro- and macroelements, vitamins, stimulates intestinal motility, reduces the accumulation of toxic products of protein decomposition, and improves microflora in the large intestine.

Pumpkin juice acts as a laxative: normalizes the consistency of stool, facilitates the process of defecation, enhances peristalsis of the large intestine and inhibits the reabsorption of water. To relieve swelling, inflammation and reduce pain, it is recommended to apply a pulp of crushed pumpkin fruits to hemorrhoids.

For endometrial growth

Pumpkin fruit pulp, pumpkin juice and seeds help for endometrial growth. Due to its varied chemical composition, the vegetable ensures the formation of the normal structure of the inner mucous layer of the uterus. Vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the female reproductive organs.

It is a powerful antioxidant, protects cellular structures from destruction, stimulates the production of steroid hormones, stabilizes hormonal levels, improves egg quality, increases the likelihood of fertilization and minimizes the risk of involuntary miscarriage.

Reference! If the cause of disruption of the endometrial structure is inflammatory damage to the pelvic organs, it is recommended to use tampons with pumpkin oil in the vagina.

For the kidneys

Kidney treatment with pumpkin helps cleanse the gallbladder and restore liver tissue. In addition, the vegetable has a diuretic effect, promotes the rapid removal of toxins from the body, prevents the progression of inflammation, and prevents the formation of salt stones in the organ. To get the most positive effect on the organs of the urinary system, it is recommended to prepare dishes where pumpkin pulp is combined with honey.

Pumpkin juice will be beneficial in combination with other vegetable or fruit juice. Traditional medicine advises taking 1 tsp for therapeutic and preventive purposes. pumpkin seed oil on an empty stomach for 30 days.

For heart

Pumpkin fruits contain many useful micro- and macroelements, as well as zinc, potassium, iron, magnesium, which are important for maintaining the normal functioning of the myocardium.

Dishes made from pumpkin pulp and its seeds have a positive effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels: they increase the elasticity of vascular walls, normalize blood circulation, and eliminate congestion. Nutritionists definitely recommend introducing pumpkin into the menu to prevent atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia, and heart failure.

In what form to use

In what form is it better to eat pumpkin? - raw, after heat treatment or replace with oil, seeds, juice, needs to be considered on a patient-specific basis, taking into account age, developmental characteristics and course of the disease, the presence of concomitant pathologies.

Pumpkin fruits are consumed fresh and added to vegetable and fruit salads.However, if you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, gastritis with high acidity, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, it is better to refuse fresh vegetables so as not to worsen your health condition.

Pumpkin is no less beneficial for the body after heat treatment.. Provided the cooking technology is followed, the chemical composition of the vegetable remains virtually unchanged. At the same time, the product is more easily absorbed by the body, digested faster, and does not pose a threat of exacerbation of the disease from the digestive system.

Enough a large number of useful elements and vitamins are contained in pumpkin juice, oil and seeds. Pumpkin seed oil is rich in zinc, flavonoids, sterols, and phytoestrogens. It is necessary for people suffering from hypertension; its use has a beneficial effect on the condition of teeth and bone strength. Pumpkin seeds are used as an effective anthelmintic, including when infected with tapeworms.

Reference. Ripe fruits are used to make jam, fruit marmalade, added to baked goods, desserts, jellies, processed into caviar, unripe pulp is salted and pickled.

Recipes

A wide variety of dishes are prepared from pumpkin or consumed as an independent food product.. Today there are a huge number of recipes known. Let's look at some of the simplest and most delicious ones.

Pumpkin puree soup

Ingredients:

• 250 ml water;
• 0.5 kg of peeled pumpkin pulp;
• 2 carrots;
• 2 onions;
• 2 tbsp. olive oil;
• greens to taste.

Recipe:

Cut the vegetables into small cubes, pour in low-fat broth or purified water, add 2 tbsp. l. oils, salt to taste. Cook over low heat, covered, until the vegetables become soft.

The average cooking time is 30 minutes, but it may take longer depending on the type of pumpkin. Grind the cooled vegetables in a blender. Add greens in portions, 1 tbsp if desired. low-fat cream. Serve with croutons and bread.

Pumpkin salad

Pumpkin salad can be consumed without restrictions during the day. In addition to the fact that the dish provides a feeling of fullness for a long time, it saturates the body with useful microelements. To prepare the salad, the peeled pulp is cut into small strips or grated using a Korean carrot grater.

Add one or more fresh vegetables and/or fruits to taste: apple, carrots, beets, avocado, arugula, pomegranate. Season with lemon juice, vegetable oil, yogurt, cream, honey. The dish can be varied by adding pumpkin seeds, nuts, and sesame seeds.

Baked pumpkin with honey

Ingredients:

• 400 g pumpkin:
• 2 tbsp. honey;
• 1 tbsp. butter or vegetable oil.

Recipe:

Cut the peeled pumpkin into pieces of the same size, mix with butter and honey. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the product. Bake in a preheated oven for 30-40 minutes at 180-200 degrees. The finished dish can be sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped nuts.

Contraindications

Reasons for not eating pumpkin because of the harm it can cause to health, may be the following diseases and pathological conditions:

• stomach ulcer;
• gastritis with high acidity;
• diabetes;
• duodenal ulcer;
• hypersensitivity.

Reviews

Lyudmila: “My problem is excess weight. The doctor recommended including pumpkin in the diet. For a month I regularly consumed the vegetable as part of various dishes.I was pleasantly surprised. Efficiency increased, night sleep improved, and most importantly, weight decreased. The weight loss is not rapid, minus 2 kg, but without harm to the body. Pumpkin provides quick and long-lasting satiety, which allows you to reduce the size of portions and eliminate the desire to snack.”.

Svetlana: “Pumpkin with honey is the best remedy for cleansing the liver and improving overall health. I tested it myself. The products remove excess fluid, toxins, waste, which has a beneficial effect on well-being, the feeling of heaviness in the stomach and heartburn no longer bother you, and the proper process of losing weight occurs. Besides, it’s not only healthy and tasty, but also inexpensive.”.

Conclusion

Nowadays, pumpkin remains in demand both in cooking and in folk medicine. Its regular use allows you to saturate the body with useful micro- and macroelements, normalize metabolism, improve blood supply to the body, activate the gastrointestinal tract, protect the body from atherosclerosis, ischemia, impotence, and hypertension.

Taking into account the properties of the product, nutritionists advise including pumpkin in children's and diet menus. Of course, a positive result from pumpkin treatment is possible if combined with conservative therapy.