PUMPKIN

DESCRIPTION

• SCIENTIFIC NAME – CUCURBITA
• FAMILY – CUCURBITACEAE
• It is one of the important vegetable crops extensively cultivated in India, Africa, America, Southern Asia, and the United States. 
• It is important to the source of α and β-carotene, lutein, vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), dietary fibers, minerals, etc. and these nutritional and bioactive components are important for providing benefits to human health.

How does Pumpkin work

• The chemicals present in the pumpkin seed cause increase in urination, which helps to relieve bladder discomfort. Pumpkin seed contains a chemical that helps to kill intestinal worms.

NUTRIENTS

• One cup of cooked pumpkin contains 
• Calories: 49
• Fat: 0.2 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbs: 12 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Vitamin A: 245% 
• Vitamin C: 19% 
• Potassium: 16% 
• Copper: 11% 
• Manganese: 11%
• Vitamin B2: 11% 
• Vitamin E: 10% 
• Iron: 8% 
• Magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate, and several B vitamins in small quantities.

BENEFITS

Weight Loss

• Pumpkin rich in fiber
• It has slowed digestion. 
• Pumpkin keeps you feeling fuller longer.
• Pumpkin low in calorie 
• It helps keep you hydrated

Better Immunity

• Pumpkin rich in vitamin A provides help to fight infections, bacteria, viruses, and infectious diseases. 
• Pumpkin oil fights various bacterial and fungal infections. 
• Pumpkin contains 20 percent of the recommended amount of vitamin C, which helps to treat cold faster.

Younger-Looking Skin

• Eating pumpkin looks younger because beta-carotene present in pumpkin helps protecting us from wrinkle-causing by UV rays.
• The pulp of pumpkin makes a great all-natural face mask that exfoliates and soothes the skin.

Lower Cancer Risk

• Beta-carotene present in pumpkin is good for the eyes, skin, and fighting cancer. Studies show people who eat a beta-carotene-rich diet daily may have a lower risk of some types of cancer, including prostate and lung cancer.
• Vitamins A and C are a kind of cell defense squad, both are antioxidants, and they act as protecting shields against cancer-causing free radicals.

It may help to treat diabetes

• In scientific tests, pumpkin has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance and increase the amount of insulin in the body.

Combating Fertility Issues

• Zinc content present in pumpkin seeds boosts fertility. Reproduction & Infertility found that zinc is essential for male fertility and can both prevent and treat sperm-related issues.

Treating an Overactive Bladder

• Pumpkin seed oil help treat urinary disorders such as overactive bladder, which affects about fifteen percent of people over the age of 40. 

Protecting Eye Heath

• Pumpkin is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two antioxidants help as a protective factor against age-related macular degeneration disease, which is the leading cause of blindness among adults.

Side effects of pumpkin

• Stomach Ache
• Absence of Nutrients
• Not Good For People on Diuretic Drugs
• Not Safe for Infants
• Not Safe For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
• Allergy to Pumpkin Seeds
• Not Safe for People with Hypoglycemia
• Could Cause Unwanted Weight Gain
• Not Safe for People with Low Blood Pressure

• Stomach Ache – Pumpkin seeds cause stomach ache when consumed in excess quantities. It is a rich source of fatty oils, could cause stomach upset followed by cramps and pain. Just try to eat small quantities of pumpkin seeds or eat it along with other foods to nullify this side effect.
• Absence of Nutrients – People might be at the risk of losing various nutrients if not consume these seeds in a proper way. Cooked pumpkin seeds are without water-soluble nutrients such as Vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C. cooking these seeds, in the lowest heat level Also, chew them properly instead of swallowing.
• Not Good for People on Diuretic Drugs – Edema is seen in people with renal disorders or certain cardiovascular issues. Studies show that these seeds possess mild diuretic powers, which could interact with diuretic drugs, also affect the mineral balance in your body.
  
• Not safe for infants – Pumpkin seeds contain protein and iron in creditable quantities, making them a tempting snack for infants. There are packed with fiber and fatty acids, these are not recommended for infants and trigger stomach cramps, pain, vomiting, and even diarrhea.
  
• Not Safe for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women – There is no scientific proof that supports the use or non-use of pumpkin seeds during pregnancy and lactation period. However, it is good to stay on the safe side intake it only food amounts or small amount. It is good to avoid this side effect of pumpkin seeds during the pregnancy phase.