What we do not know about pumpkins!
What we do not know about pumpkins! for: @steemchurch and @Farms.
The pumpkin, is the fruit belongs to the group of cucurbits, is said to be native to South America, where it grows wild in the Southern Cone. Today it is widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world, it is also said that it was the Spaniards who introduced it to Europe in the 15th century.
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Pumpkin, a nutritious food
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The consumption of pumpkin, provides important nutrients to the body, such as potassium, calcium, vitamin A, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron in small portion. Pumpkin contains vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E, fibers and minerals such as zinc, which purifies water. The nutritional interest of pumpkin is its content in beta-carotene, which the organism transforms into vitamin A, an antioxidant vitamin that slows down the aging of cells. A serving of 200 grams of pumpkin meets the needs of vitamin A in one day.
There are various forms of preparation offered by the pumpkin, as is the case of soup, pumpkin cream, puree, arepa, or even as a companion, that is, only boiled.
Nutritional value of the pumpkin
Pumpkin cream:
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Composition per 100 grams of edible portion
Energy (Kcal) 27.3
Water (ml) 91
Carbohydrates carbon (g) 5.4
Fiber (g) 1,5
Potassium (mg) 233
Magnesium (mg) 13
Calcium (mg) 27
Vitamin A (mcg of Eq. Of retinol) 75
Folates (mcg) 25
Vitamin C (mg) 14
Culinary uses
From the confectionery variety we obtain angel hair, a basic filling used in pastry, especially for pastries and pastries.
It is used as a vegetable in all kinds of stews.
It can be made with it as much cold cream as warm or hot
.In confectionery, their pulp is used to make dry and creamy cakes, pumpkin cakes, sauces, salted mousses, chocolate interiors, Christmas tree interiors and even in ice cream shops, smoothies.
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It is used raw for salads of crudités, cut very fine.
The pips once dried are used as an appetizer
Medicinal properties
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The pumpkin to lose weight
The pumpkin can be included in the diets to lose weight, this fruit is composed of 90% water: therefore, it is hypocaloric and can be consumed without problems by anyone who follows a diet to lose weight.
Pumpkin seeds
Not only do you eat the flesh of the pumpkin; their seeds are also very precious. They are an excellent source of iron, whose assimilation is favored thanks to vitamin C. Above all contains a source of alpha-linoleic acid, an essential omega 3 fatty acid normally with little presence in our diet.
-Intestinal problems
Helps to regulate gastric motility, maintaining an intestinal balance, by correcting constipation problems.
Uses of pumpkin in cosmetology
Pumpkin masks
Pumpkin pulp is the ideal ingredient for beauty masks, regardless of the type of skin. To do this, simply mix the pulp and seeds of a small spoonful of pumpkin, 4 slices of pineapple, 1 tablespoon of ground almonds, 1 tablespoon of coffee milk and 1 tablespoon of honey coffee. heat the pulp and pumpkin seeds in the microwave with 10 centiliters of water for 2 minutes. Allow to cool and pour into a bowl with pineapple. Then it beats well. Almonds, milk and honey are added and everything is mixed. Apply the result on the face and let it act for 15 minutes. Finally, rinse well with hot water.
The pumpkin has several properties that make it a perfect ingredient for skin masks, mainly if it is damaged or it is oily skin. Mix it with apple cider vinegar and apply it on wet skin for about half an hour, remove it with warm water and rinse at the end with cold water. Add moisturizer and feel its immediate effects.
For dry hair
If you suffer from dry hair, you can create a homemade pumpkin conditioner to have an excellent remedy. Mix chopped pumpkins, honey, coconut oil and yogurt. Leave it on wet hair for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Skin burns
The pumpkin is used as a remedy to treat burns. Pumpkin pulp is applied regularly to wounds and little by little you will notice improvements.
Other medicinal benefits:
- Raw pumpkin slices on the head calm the migraine or migraine.
- Stimulate the function of the pancreas, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels
- Collaborate in the elimination of mucus in the bronchi, lungs and throat.
- Help strengthen the immune system thanks to its high amount of antioxidants.
- Detoxify the body if you drink a pumpkin juice.
- Decrease the risk of prostate cancer or heart disease due to its high content of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene.
- Help in the treatment of cataracts in the eyesight.
- Eliminate constipation due to its high fiber content.
- Benefit eye health thanks to beta-carotene and vitamin A.
- Help reduce cholesterol.
- Protect the heart from suffering a heart attack, by the folic acid it contains.
Other wonderful contributions
This wonderful vegetable gives us:
- Coumarins: with antioxidant properties, which neutralize free radicals.
- Lycopene: is found in the pulp of the pumpkin and reduces the chances of cancer (prostate, lung, cervix, stomach or bladder). Lowers cholesterol
- Vitamin C: 100 grams of pumpkin daily provides half of vitamin A that our body needs. In addition, they help a good functioning of the circulatory system, avoiding arteriosclerosis, for example.
- Folic acid: intervenes in favor of the nervous system, helps the heart to neutralize homocysteine, responsible for heart attacks.
- Water: its high amount of water makes pumpkin an ideal food for diets, being at the same time very satiating. Prevents fluid retention, obesity and the formation of kidney stones.