Pumpkin
Pumpkin originates in North America, South America and Central America, but has spread throughout the world, becoming an essential part of some international cuisine in Indian cuisine and some Asian cuisine. Pumpkin seeds are produced in many countries including China, India, Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, Which is characterized by its white skin and its pulp coated with a thin crust that tends to green, and also characterized by flat shape and its many health benefits. The following are the most important health benefits that can be obtained when eating pumpkin seeds, in addition to the nutritional content and some important information when storing and consuming:
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
- Pumpkin seeds contain a high proportion of tryptophan, which enhances the ability to sleep.
- The content of these seeds of magnesium helps maintain the health of the heart.
- Helps to stabilize the blood sugar and the presence of protein in it.
- Helps protect against the risk of prostate cancer in men.
- Contains important phytoestrol compounds to lower cholesterol levels.
- Helps to reduce the side effects of some medications taken by arthritis patients.
- Pumpkin seeds are varieties that are characterized by their antifungal and viral properties.
- Used in the treatment of tapeworms and some other parasites.
- Helps strengthen the immune system, they may treat colds.
* Contain some antioxidants that reduce the risk of aging and cancer.
Food content of pumpkin seeds
- 30 grams of roasted pumpkin seeds contain about 8.5 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of fat and 163 calories.
- Contains many minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, as well as zinc.
- It contains many vitamins, such as vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, and folate.
Information on how to store and consume pumpkin seeds:
- Gourd seeds should preferably be stored in boxes away from wet, preferably in the refrigerator.
- Pumpkin seeds are edible for several months as long as they are kept in the refrigerator, but lose their properties after about a month or two.
Preparation of roasted pumpkin seeds
- Clean the seeds well by placing them in a large bowl of water, and then start rubbing them thoroughly using your hands.
- Put the seeds in another bowl containing about a teaspoon of salt, and then put on low heat for no more than ten minutes to boil.
- The seeds are then placed in a strainer until the water disappears.
The seeds are then placed in a paper towel to absorb the rest of the suspended water.
- A little olive oil is sprinkled about half a spoonful of a teaspoon of it, then the seeds are massaged.
- Place the seeds in the oven at an appropriate temperature for at least ten minutes, then go out and turn a little and return to the oven and leave for another ten minutes.
- If some cracked or open seeds are observed, preferably remove them so as not to burn