What are the benefits of pumpkin: properties for beauty and health

The autumn-winter period pleases us with the most vibrant seasonal vegetables and fruits. And one of them is the sunny orange pumpkin. In addition to the pleasure of its funny appearance, pumpkin also brings great benefits to the body. And today we will tell you which one!

Pumpkin is a versatile vegetable in cooking. With it you can bake pies, stew meat, bake with spices and do whatever your imagination desires. Our selection of pumpkin dishes for inspiration.

Pumpkin consists of 90% water, and the remaining 10% from a variety of vitamins and microelements. Pumpkin is called a champion for the content of nutrients that are necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. It contains: beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, B1, B2, PP, it contains a lot of potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, cobalt, silicon, fluorine.

Health benefits of pumpkin:

  1. Positively affects the functioning of the intestines, having a laxative effect;

  2. Reduces the risk of developing hypertension, atherosclerosis and other diseases of the cardiovascular system;

  3. Stimulates kidney activity, biochemical processes in the liver;

  4. Useful for diseases of the digestive system (for example, gastritis, colitis);

  5. Helps maintain and strengthen vision;

  6. Removes cholesterol, toxins, waste from the body;

  7. Increases human immune functions;

  8. Affects the dissolution of stones in the bladder and kidneys;

  9. Removes excess fluid from the body;

  10. Gets rid of worms and other intestinal parasites;

  11. Has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, having a calming effect (irritability is overcome, sleep improves, attention and memory are activated);

  12. When used externally, it treats burns, inflammations and abscesses.

Beauty properties:

  1. Due to its high zinc content, it improves the condition of acne skin;

  2. Vitamin A in the composition is a strong antioxidant and prevents the appearance of early wrinkles;

  3. A rich mixture of omega-3 and omega-6 fats makes the skin soft, elastic and moisturized, adds shine to the hair;

  4. The iron in pumpkin seeds helps with dull and gray skin that is deficient in iron;

  5. Vitamins B3 and B6 in the composition help renew skin cells (in combination with zinc) and maintain hormonal balance;

  6. Pumpkin is low in calories and rich in fiber, which makes it possible to use it in the diet for weight loss.

Beauty recipes with pumpkin:

  1. Nourishing mask for dry skin. Beat 2 tablespoons of boiled pumpkin and mix with a tablespoon of olive or other vegetable oil. Apply the mask to your face for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

  2. Mask for problem skin. Mix 3 tablespoons of pumpkin juice, 1 yolk and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix thoroughly, apply to face and leave the mask on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

  3. Anti-puffiness mask. Pour 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pumpkin with a small amount of water and bring to a boil over low heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon of honey to the resulting mass of homogeneous consistency. Place the mixture on gauze, apply it to your face, and cover with a towel on top. Keep for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water.

  4. Hair Mask. Mash a glass of pumpkin pulp into a puree, add 4 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil. Mix all ingredients in a blender for about 5 minutes to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The mask should be applied to dry hair along the entire length, put on a plastic bag and wrap with a towel. After an hour, wash off the mask with shampoo.

Contraindications for eating pumpkin:

Due to its powerful alkalizing effect, pumpkin should not be consumed by people who suffer from gastric and duodenal ulcers.