Pumpkin Health Benefits: Pumpkin or bitter melon is a vegetable which has various medicinal uses. This is because of the presence of different types of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
It helps in managing blood sugar levels as it increases the production of insulin in the body. It is useful for enhancing the immunity of the body. All the parts of this plant are useful for several medicinal purposes.
However, the seeds of this plant have high nutritional value due to certain bioactive compounds. The oil made from pumpkin seed is used as a preservative ingredient in cosmetics, food, and nutraceutical. It is also helpful in rejuvenating the skin and keeps the skin glowing.
Treating diseases/health problems using pumpkin
• For worm infection
Due to active constituents like cucurbitine and alkaloids in pumpkin, it is quite helpful in managing worm infection. This is because these compounds inhibit the activity of intestinal worms (that is, anthelmintic).
• For Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms
Due to the presence of sitosterols in pumpkin seed oil, it can help manage an overactive bladder. It refers to a condition related to the sudden urge to urinate. However, sufficient evidence is not available regarding the exact mechanism of sitosterols.
• For hair loss
Due to the presence of phytosterols in pumpkin seed oil, it can help to manage hair loss. This is because phytosterols affect the enzymes that are responsible for male hormones like testosterone and androsterone. However, enough evidence is not present; it is believed pumpkin oil is quite beneficial for hair loss.
Forms of pumpkin in Ayurveda with the recommended dosage
Pumpkin can be used in various forms such as capsules, oil, and churna for treating different disorders. Every part of the pumpkin has its medicinal importance; however, pumpkin seeds are more famous for their nutritional value.
If you have not consulted any doctor regarding pumpkin consumption, you can follow the dosages given below.
• Pumpkin capsules –Take 1 to 2 capsules two times a day.
• Pumpkin churna – Take ½ to 1 teaspoon two times a day.
• Pumpkin oil - Take ½ to 1 teaspoon two times a day.
• Pumpkin oil for skin – Take 2 to 5 twice a day.
However, if you have consulted any doctor regarding pumpkin use, it is advised to follow that prescription strictly.
Ayurvedic care with the help of pumpkin
1. Pumpkin seed churna
a. Take some water or honey.
b. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of pumpkin seed churna to it.
c. Take this remedy, preferably after meals.
2. Pumpkin seed oil
a. You can take around ½ to 1 teaspoon or according to your requirement of pumpkin seed oil.
b. Add it to the freshly prepared salad or soup to enhance the taste.
3. Pumpkin seed capsules
a. Take a glass of lukewarm water.
b. Swallow 1 to 2 capsules of pumpkin seed with it.
c. Use this remedy, preferably after meals.
4. Pumpkin seed oil for skin
a. Take some coconut oil.
b. Then put 2 to 5 drops of pumpkin seed oil to it.
c. Mix them well.
d. Apply gently on the skin.
e. Let it stay.
f. Use this remedy to keep the skin hydrated.
5. Pumpkin Hair pack
a. Take around ¼ to ½ cup of coconut oil in a container.
b. Add around 2 tablespoons of honey to it.
c. Take around 1 cup of chopped pumpkin.
d. Mash it properly.
e. Add it to the above mixture.
f. Mix them well.
g. Distribute our hair in small parts.
h. Apply this mixture to each part of the hair.
i. Gently massage it.
j. Let it stay for around 20 to 30 minutes.
k. Then wash it with a mild shampoo and water.
6. Pumpkin juice
a. Firstly, wash the pumpkin properly.
b. Then remove the rinds of the pumpkin.
c. Please put it in the blender.
d. Make a puree.
e. Add some water also.
f. You can also add carrot juice, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, or ginger juice to enhance the taste.
g. Add a few drops of lemon juice to it to add flavor.
h. Please put it in the refrigerator and serve cold.
Precautionary guide while using pumpkin
• During breastfeeding
You can take pumpkin in food amounts at the time of breastfeeding. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking supplements at the time of breastfeeding.
• During pregnancy
You can take pumpkin in food amounts at the time of pregnancy. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking supplements at the time of pregnancy.
• Moderate Medicine Interaction
It is advisable to consult a doctor before consuming pumpkin or pumpkin supplements if you take CNS drugs. This is because pumpkin tends to react with CNS drugs. It can behave as a water pill and decreases lithium absorption in the body.
FAQ's about pumpkin
Q Is it safe to drink pumpkin juice?
A Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin to make its juice.
Process
• Firstly, wash the pumpkin properly.
• Then remove the rinds of the pumpkin.
• Please put it in the blender.
• Make a puree.
• Add some water also.
• You can also add carrot juice, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, or ginger juice to enhance the taste.
• Add a few drops of lemon juice to it to add flavor.
• Please put it in the refrigerator and serve cold.
Q Is pumpkin a fruit?
A Yes, pumpkin is a fruit since fruit is the edible reproductive part of the seed plant.
Q Can we cook a pumpkin?
A Yes, pumpkin can be cooked, boiled, baked, and grilled. You can cook or boil pumpkin with or without its rind according to your preferences. You can also make pumpkin soup and juice.
Q Is it safe to eat pumpkin seeds?
A. Yes, you can eat pumpkin seeds in various forms, such as they can be eaten whole after baking, roasting, or drying them. They can also be used as a snack or drizzled onto the salad.
Q Is it safe to use pumpkin for babies?
A Pumpkin is quite beneficial for babies as it can help enhance immunity, improve the digestive system, manage bowel movements, and improve energy levels. Due to its high fiber content, it can also be used for preventing constipation in babies.
Q What are the side effects of eating too many pumpkin seeds?
A. According to the ayurvedic view, eating too many pumpkin seeds can lead to constipation. This is due to the presence of ruksha (dry) property in pumpkin seeds. This property causes more absorption of water and eventually leads to hard stool and constipation.
Q What will happen if you consume too much pumpkin?
A. Eating too much pumpkin can cause carotenemia. It is a situation in which skin turns temporarily orange. It is caused due to ten presence of a pigment called beta-carotene in pumpkin. This condition is most common in the case of infants.
Q Is pumpkin helpful for diabetes?
A Yes, due to a constituent called D-chiro-inositol in pumpkin, it can help manage diabetes. This is because this constituent increases the production of insulin in the pancreas. However, sufficient evidence is still not available regarding the antidiabetic action of the constituent.
Q Is pumpkin helpful in weight loss?
A Yes, pumpkin can be quite beneficial in weight loss. It enhances insulin sensitivity by reducing insulin resistance and controls blood sugar levels, and, thus, eventually helps in losing weight faster.
Q Are pumpkin seeds useful for the body?
A Yes,
Scientific
Ayurvedic
According to the scientific view, the presence of high levels of unsaturated fatty acids in pumpkin seeds can help prevent the accumulation of fat in arteries and lowers the risk of heart diseases. The antioxidant property of pumpkin seeds can help fight free radicals and inhibit cell damage and, therefore, prevent the risk of lung, breast, or gastric cancer. It is also helpful in managing the levels of cholesterol in the body and prostate enlargement.
According to the Ayurvedic view, the presence of krimighna property (anti-worm) in pumpkin seeds can help remove worms from the intestines. You can take crushed pumpkin seeds in milk or honey on an empty stomach to get rid of worms.
Q Is it safe to apply pumpkin seed oil to the skin?
A. Yes, it is safe to apply pumpkin seed oil to the skin. However, you need to dilute it with some base oil like coconut oil or olive oil before applying on skin.
Q Is pumpkin good for the skin?
A Yes, pumpkin is quite beneficial for the skin. This is due to certain active constituents like tocopherols, beta-carotene, and phytosterols that make up for the pumpkin's antioxidant property. This antioxidant property helps in promoting collagen formation and also produces new cells. Thus, giving a glowing and healthy skin.
Q Is pumpkin helpful for arthritis?
A. According to certain studies and research, a Yes, pumpkin seed oil can help manage symptoms of arthritis.
Q Is pumpkin oil helpful for hair?
A Yes,
Scientific
Ayurvedic
According to science, pumpkin is quite beneficial for hair. This is due to the presence of certain minerals like zinc and potassium that can help manage hair in the case of men. It helps in improving blood circulation and enhances healthy hair growth. The presence of anti-inflammatory properties helps in opening up the follicles of hair.
According to the ayurvedic view, pumpkin oil can be quite beneficial for hair due to its snigdha (oily) properties. This property helps in preventing dryness, controlling dandruff, and enhances hair growth.
Pumpkin pack for hair care
Pumpkin Hair pack
a. Take around ¼ to ½ cup of coconut oil in a container.
b. Add around 2 tablespoons of honey to it.
c. Take around 1 cup of chopped pumpkin.
d. Mash it properly.
e. Add it to the above mixture.
f. Mix them well.
g. Distribute our hair in small parts.
h. Apply this mixture to each part of the hair.
i. Gently massage it.
j. Let it stay for around 20 to 30 minutes.
k. Then wash it with a mild shampoo and water.