Properties of pumpkin

PROPERTIES OF PUMPKIN

The pumpkin now symbol of Halloween is actually a polyfunctional ingredient in the kitchen, rich in nutrients and ideal for many different recipes

The pumpkin belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family  and its diffusion in Europe is owed to the Spanish settlers. In Italy it is mainly cultivated in some northern regions and although there are different types and shapes, the pumpkin always keeps the same nutritional properties and the same benefits for the organism.

The pumpkin has a full sweet flavour, but despite this it is a valid food in low-calorie diets and in those of diabetic patients, thanks to the very low content both in glucides and lipids, compensated by high percentages of fibre, vitamins and mineral salts.

100 grams of pumpkin, provide approximately 26 kcal, and this is thanks to the high water content of which it is constituted by approximately 90%.

Nutritional Values per 100 g of pumpkin

Proteins 1 g

Fats 0.10 g of which saturates –

Carbohydrates 6,5 g of which sugars 2.76 g

Fibre 0,5 g

Potassium 340 mg Vitamin C 9 mg

Glycaemic index (boiled) 64

Cholesterol 0 g

BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES OF PUMPKIN

Pumpkin does very well to our organism for many reasons:

 

• FIGHTS CONSTIPATION: Pumpkin is rich in fibre and water and therefore it is very useful for the bowel: in particular, it favours the correct operation of the intestinal transit because it changes the consistency of the faeces and rebalances the intestinal flora. The fibre also helps to maintain for a longer time the sense of satiety and contributes to reduce the absorption of sugar in the blood.
• FIGHTS INSOMNIA AND ANXIETY: Pumpkin contains magnesium and magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that facilitates the relaxation of the muscles. The presence of magnesium in the pumpkin, therefore, helps the muscle relaxation, giving physical and mood benefits. Moreover, pumpkin contains tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the production of serotonin, the so-called mood hormone, ideal for fighting insomnia, nervous hunger and depression.
• STRENGTHENS THE URINARY TRACT: Cucurbitina, a rare amino acid present especially in the pumpkin seeds, has remarkable vermicidal and antiparasitic properties and is proved to be very useful in fighting urinary tract disorders, in particular prostatitis and cystitis.
• HELPS AGAINST CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene and beta-carotene is an important antioxidant that helps to counteract the onset of free radicals and therefore cellular aging. Moreover, pumpkin is rich in good fats such as Omega-3, a perfect ally for the reduction of cholesterol and blood triglycerides and for lowering blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that by obstructing the arteries, facilitate the onset of stroke and heart attack.

The pumpkin can be steamed, boiled, stewed or cooked in the oven, in pasta, rice etc. The pulp can be blended or simply crushed, after cooking, to make it a nice mash to accompany the food, as a side, centrifuged instead gives a good juice to drink especially in the morning on an empty stomach.

Also the pumpkin seeds can be eaten; wash them and let them dry in the open air or roast them in the oven for a few minutes, and a small handful is ideal as a snack especially in an athlete’s diet

The pumpkin can also be stored, but it must be kept in a cool place; after being deprived of the skin, it is preferable to keep it in the fridge.  Cooked and diced, it can be frozen in special freezer bags: This way we will always have our preferred wellness ration available.

Take a look at our tried and tested method: Anti-Diet