Pumpkins (Cucurbita) are mostly annual, herbaceous plants whose flesh and seeds are delicious and healthy. Depending on the species, the stems of the pumpkin plant can climb. The enormous fruits, which is what we commonly call a pumpkin, are actually berries and are also known as "pepo" berries due to their hard rind. Pumpkins contain a multitude of seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Distribution and use of the pumpkin
Pumpkins originate from America, but today the pumpkin is cultivated almost everywhere in warm climates. While it needs many hours of sunshine, it is at the same time frost-hardy. This makes it a popular plant, especially since many people enjoy it as a vegetable. The indigenous population of North America ate the dried flesh raw; today, however, sweet and sour pickled pumpkin, pumpkin soup, or pumpkin pie are popular. The nutty-tasting, dark pumpkin seed oil is very common as a seasoning oil for salads and soups, and its health-promoting effects are of great medical interest.
Nutrients and effects of pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds provide over 80% unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, trace elements (such as selenium, manganese, zinc, and copper), as well as vitamin E and phytosterols. They are not only used as a small, tasty snack, but also as a herbal remedy to strengthen bladder function in cases of bladder weakness and an overactive bladder. In men specifically, they are said to support symptomatic treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Notes on the intake of pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons (10 g) of pumpkin seeds a day or corresponding preparations are recommended to enjoy their health-promoting effects. Regular use over weeks and months is required. In the case of an enlarged prostate, only the associated urinary complaints are improved, but not the enlargement itself. Therefore, regular check-ups by a doctor should be maintained. If you have a known hypersensitivity to pumpkin or pumpkin-like plants (watermelon and zucchini), you should not consume pumpkin seeds. Otherwise, they are well tolerated.
• Are you interested in health products containing pumpkin seeds? You can find more information here.
• Do you enjoy healthy cooking? You can find a recipe with pumpkin here.
