Pumpkin Properties

The properties of the pumpkin are antioxidants and beneficial for the health of the heart and the functioning of the nervous system. It is a food sometimes considered as a vegetable. It provides vitamins and minerals and can be eaten raw, steamed or roasted in the oven. So as it can be considered as an essential natural product for the diet, we are going to see all its characteristics and health benefits.

The properties of pumpkin are antioxidants and beneficial for the health of the heart and the functioning of the nervous system, a fruit widely consumed during the autumn season, although it can also be eaten throughout the year.

It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is the fruit of the climbing plant. Its pulp is orange, the most eaten, although there are also other colors.

The pumpkin can be eaten whole, including its seeds, which are called “pumpkin seeds”. The most common is to prepare it in purees, creams, salads or juices. As its nutritional value is very good, this food is considered nutritious and healthy.

But why is this fruit so beneficial? Essentially because it gives us a lot of benefits that, together with its nutrients, when you eat it you get the following properties from the pumpkin:

Antioxidants: since one of its advantages is that it acts as a natural antioxidant thanks to its coumarin content, substances that minimize the action of free radicals and are present as a coumarin emulsion in cosmetics.
Lower cholesterol: because another of the benefits of pumpkin is that it helps us control blood cholesterol due to its lycopene content without contraindications or side effects.

Improve circulation: this is because pumpkin is rich in vitamin C and, therefore, helps our circulatory system work optimally and prevents conditions such as atherosclerosis, varicose veins and the vast majority of disorders that affect blood circulation. blood and veins

Improves cardiovascular health: because it is rich in essential acids for heart health at the same time that folic acid does not make you fat, which it contains, and improves the nervous system.

But in addition to providing these properties, there are also others related to vitamins and essential elements for life. So let's see them.

Nutritional properties

But to better understand its effects when it is assimilated in digestion, we are going to analyze the benefits of pumpkin and its nutritional properties, the fruit that reconstitutes the body.

Here we offer you a list of the main nutrients found in pumpkin:

Vitamins A, C and E.
Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.
Fiber.
Thanks to all these components, the nutritional value and therefore the properties of pumpkin are ideal for improving our digestive system and purifying the body. By containing high amounts of fiber and water, we will be able to eliminate toxins from the body and, in addition, regulate intestinal transit. Fiber is very good to avoid blockage of the large intestine and, although it works as a quick solution for constipation, if you are in that situation, Plantago ovata may be better for you. or if you are on a diet, the benefits of cascara sagrada for weight loss.

Although it has properties to eliminate constipation, it is a better food to lighten digestion or prevent it.

For this reason, the pumpkin to lose weight also helps since at the same time that it manages to satisfy the appetite in a natural way, it makes it easier for you to be less bloated.

And once we know the contribution of nutrients, we will see the medicinal effects it has.

Medicinal properties

It is also an ideal food to improve our health. The reason is that many of its components work very well for some specific disorders of the body. Its composition is rich in fiber and improves urination. It manages to alleviate some ailments or improve bodily functions, thus allowing us to enjoy an optimal state of health. So yes, pumpkin also has medicinal properties.

So let's discover which are the most outstanding and why it is worth including it in your diet:

Nutritional and medicinal properties of pumpkin

Regulates blood sugar levels: because, by eating pumpkin, we manage to stimulate the function of the pancreas.

Reduces mucus: because it cleanses the presence of mucus in areas such as the throat, lungs and bronchi. It is ideal for the common cold and the symptoms and discomfort that it produces.

Strengthens the defenses: another of the medicinal properties of the pumpkin is that it helps us enjoy a stronger and more efficient immune system. The reason is that it provides us with large amounts of antioxidants that are ideal for strengthening defenses and protecting the body.

Cleanses the body: thanks to its diuretic effect and its fiber content, pumpkin is ideal for purifying the body and eliminating the presence of toxins. It increases the formation of urine and, this, in turn, is good because many toxins are expelled from the body.

Eliminate constipation: if you suffer from this health condition, start taking pumpkin because, thanks to its fiber content, you will be able to regulate your intestinal transit.

Improves eye health: another of the medicinal properties of pumpkin is that it manages to improve the health of our eyes because it provides us with vitamin A and beta-carotene.

Stronger and healthier heart: as we have already mentioned, thanks to the contribution of folic acid, pumpkin is ideal for improving our cardiac system.

Pumpkin Types and Best Varieties

But did you know that there are different varieties of pumpkin? Here we discover the 3 most common and healthiest types so that you learn to recognize them:

pumpkin varieties

Curcubita maxima: It is one of the best known types of pumpkins since they are used for Halloween decorations. These pumpkins are characterized by their large size, their rounded shape and their orange color. Although they are used to decorate, they can also be eaten. Its flavor is sweet and rich.

Patisson or bonetera pumpkin: it is also used to decorate but can be consumed in your recipes without any problem. Of course, it is recommended that you opt for the smaller varieties as they offer more tender meat.

Spaghetti squash: This is a type of squash that is mostly found in winter. It is characterized by having a cylindrical shape and having yellow and orange tones.

Is it better to eat it raw?

If you have ever wondered if it is better to eat pumpkin raw, the answer is YES. The truth is that, in general, if you eat food in its most natural version and without having cooked it, you will be able to take better advantage of its nutrients.

Keep in mind that in many culinary processes, some food nutrients can be lost, especially when the temperature is increased.

If you choose to eat fresh, the food retains its characteristics, and here we include the properties of raw pumpkin. You take advantage of the vast majority of its nutrients without losing them. Therefore, the dish will be much more robust and healthy.

And if it is consumed in the form of pumpkin oil?
In this case, it is still very healthy, although it is true that in the process it can lose some of its properties. All foods that are handled even by means of cold pressure mechanisms, a large part of their vegetable matter is eliminated, so a lot of fiber is lost. Pumpkin seed oil has similar properties but is no longer a diuretic and its fiber content that improves intestinal transit also decreases.

However, you can take it in moderation and enjoy many of its advantages over other oils.

Is pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?

Another of the most common doubts is to know its classification. There are many people who believe that it is a vegetable or, rather, a fruit or vegetable. But the truth is that pumpkin is a fruit. In fact, it is part of the cucurbitaceae family from which other well-known fruits such as melon or watermelon also come.

How many calories does it have?

Being a fruit, pumpkin is a very low-calorie food and is worth consuming if you are controlling your weight. In fact, for every 100 grams the pumpkin has 25 kilocalories (approximately), a very low amount for the many benefits it brings you.

But maybe you want to know if that value of kcal varies when cooking it in the oven or stewing it, so let's see it:

Pumpkin calories roasted, baked or grilled: 25 kcal.
Cooked: 20 kcal.
Seeds: 446 kcal.
Pumpkin oil: 25 kcal.

The difference in calories is whether you eat it raw, cooked, or make it with other ingredients. Calories in creamed pumpkin soup vary depending on how you make it. You must add the 25 kcal to the amount of the other ingredients. In general it is considered that 100 g. of pumpkin cream has 109 kcal. If you puree it, something similar happens.

Contraindications and side effects

In general terms, you should know that it is very beneficial and few people should avoid its consumption. Only those who have some kind of food allergy. However, the pips, seeds or seeds that are inside pumpkins do make some people feel bad. So keep in mind the following list with the side effects and contraindications of pumpkin:

stomach upset
Diarrhea.
Gases.
Indigestion.
Swelling.

All these effects can take place due to the active ingredients and components that make up the composition of the pumpkin. But above all, to the high amount of fiber that it gives us. If you suffer from diarrhea or have a predisposition to have loose stools, it is better to eat it in moderation as it will increase diarrhea symptoms.

In order to avoid suffering from some of these conditions, it is best that you never overdo it when consuming this fruit. In addition, it is always recommended that it be eaten and accompanied by liquid to facilitate digestion.

Properties of pumpkin seeds

In addition to pumpkin, there are now many people who have chosen to take pumpkin seeds. The reason is that, in these nuggets, a large number of medicinal properties are also concentrated that are ideal for improving our health.

Some of the benefits of pumpkin seeds are as follows:

Rich in zinc: and, therefore, they are perfect for maintaining the health of our bones and avoiding diseases that affect the bone structure.

Ideal for prostate problems: due to its diuretic effect, pumpkin seeds are a good option for people with prostate conditions and who may have difficulty urinating.

They reduce bad cholesterol: thanks to their phytosterol content, they reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.

Improves mood: because they are rich in L-tryptophan, a substance that acts as a natural antidepressant

Pumpkin recipes and more

More about Pumpkin Properties

Diarrhea, Gas, Indigestion, Bloating, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Minerals, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus,