Pumpkins are not just good for making soup and pies. It can be juiced uncooked and makes a highly nutritious drink useful for prevention of many common conditions.
Pumpkin is a gourd-like squash that belongs to the Cucurbita family. The shape varies from oblong to oblate and its “skin” is usually thick in orange or yellowish color. The inside flesh vary from pale to dark green, white to gray and orange-yellow to red. At the core of pumpkin are the seeds which are edible.
Generally a pumpkin weighs around 4-8 kg (9-18 lbs). However with the Cucurbita maxima (the largest pumpkins species) its weight can reach up to 34 kg (75lbs).
Here are numerous Health Benefits Of Pumpkin (Kaddu):
This bright-colored gourd-like squash is so rich with nutrients that it makes it a very valuable vegetable from the health perspective.
Anti-inflammatory effect
Pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that are very useful against the arthritis and joint inflammation.
Asthma
The anti-oxidants effectively protects the respiratory system from infections and free-radical attacks, reducing and healing asthma attacks.
Atherosclerosis
The highly cleansing power of this orange-colored juice helps scrub away the old build-up of arterial deposits reducing the risks of heart diseases and stroke. The high anti-oxidants prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Bone health
Pumpkin is rich also in calcium. I would make a pumpkin juice with carrots that makes it so healthful for bone development.
Cholesterol
Pumpkin has high amounts of phytosterols that is similar to our human cholesterol. It can replace and normalize the cholesterol to a healthy level.
Depression
One of the cause of depression is the lack of trytophan in our diet. Pumpkin is rich with L-tryptophan an essential amino acid that our body cannot manufacture. When this chemical compound is supplied it activates the feeling of happiness and well-being, reducing the depressed mood.
Dietary fiber
The bulk that pumpkin flesh provides is helpful dietary fiber that aids in gastrointestinal disorders for example indigestion, constipation etc. It also facilitates in lessening the blood LDL cholesterol level and regulates the blood sugar level.
Diuretics
Pumpkin juice (juiced uncooked) act as an innate diuretic, which is very useful for getting rid of toxins and useless waste materials by flushing them out of the body. It can be included as a detoxifying food.
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Eyesight/vision
Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are some of the finest nourishment that help keep the optic system in tip-top condition with special protection against astigmatism macular degeneration and cataracts.
Immune system
It does wonders for boosting the immune system by increasing the production and performance of white blood cells building resistance to various kinds of infections.
Kidney stones, prevent
Pumpkin seeds are also great for the kidneys. By taking about 5 – 10 grams of pumpkin seeds daily prevents stones formation in the kidneys.
In traditional Chinese medicine, pumpkin seeds are ground into powder form to be drunk with the juice for the treatment of parasites or tapeworm infection.
Peptic ulcers
Pumpkin has all the right mix of medicinal properties that are calming to the gastrointestinal tract healing to digestive conditions and peptic ulcers. In this case best to take in the nutrients in juice form.
Prostate cancer
The high content of zinc and carotenoids in pumpkin and its seeds help protect against prostate cancer. These compounds prevents enlargement of the prostate and over-stimulation of the male hormones that cause prostate problems.
The high quantity of anti-oxidants in the form of vitamins A, C and E, and zinc provide the synergistic healing virtues that are great for the skin. These healthful properties are best obtained by drinking of its juice regularly.
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There is no doubt that Kaddu(Pumpkin) is a
highly nutritious vegetable. Please try to eat this fantastic vegetable in summer and do not forget to share this post with your friends and family!!!
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