The Italian pumpkin is a creeping plant that belongs to the Cucurbita Pepo species. An example of this variety is the Gray Zucchini.
It has a cylindrical shape, a glossy dark green colour, its maximum size is 10 m, and it adapts to temperatures between 16 and 220C in temperate climates.
Its flower is edible, and fried is considered a delicacy.
Health benefits of Italian pumpkin
By containing 24% of vitamin A, an antioxidant, it serves as a defence for the immune system.
Its juice serves as a laxative and body detoxifier, and it also regulates blood sugar levels.
It allows the lungs, throat and bronchial tubes to be free of mucus.
It is useful to fight heart disease and prostate cancer due to its high content of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene.
It is also a supplement for the treatment of cataracts by increasing the content of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene.
On the other hand, among the properties of Italian pumpkin are vitamins A, C and B6; potassium, manganese, copper, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and dietary fibres.
Other Varieties of Pumpkins
Among other varieties of pumpkin, we find:
Cucurbita maximum
We can find the Tom Fox or Atlantic Giant (large Hollywood) and the Potimarron or Hokkaido (small and from Japan) within this variety.
Although both are Cucurbita maximum, they vary in size; the former is large and round, the latter are small and pear-like.
This is the type of pumpkin used in Halloween decorations, but its texture is more suitable for making pumpkin puree, sponge cake and cake.
Pumpkin Patisson or Bonetera
It belongs to the group of summer squash and is also known as Peter Pan.
Its size ranges from small to medium and has a flattened shape.
The variety of colours it has is special for ornamentation; they can be white, yellow and green.
Its delicacy allows different types of cooking; in this way, we can taste it either fried, baked or stuffed.
Pumpkin, properties, benefits, contraindications and calories
The properties of pumpkin are antioxidants and beneficial for the health of the heart and the functioning of the nervous system. It is a portion of food sometimes considered as a vegetable. It provides vitamins and minerals and can be eaten raw, steamed or roasted in the oven. So as it can be considered an essential natural product for the diet, we will see all its characteristics and health benefits.
Pumpkin properties
The properties of pumpkin are antioxidants and beneficial for the health of the heart and the functioning of the nervous system, a fruit widely consumed during the autumn season, although it can also be taken throughout the year.
It belongs to the cucurbit family and is the fruit of the climbing plant. Its pulp is orange, the most eaten, although there are also other colours.
The pumpkin can be eaten whole, including its seeds, which are called “pumpkin seeds.” The most common is to prepare it in purees, creams, salads or juices. As its nutritional value is very good, this food is considered nutritious and healthy.
But why is this fruit so beneficial? Essentially because it gives us a large number of benefits that, along with its nutrients, when you eat it, you get the following properties from the pumpkin:
Antioxidants: one of its advantages is that it acts as a natural antioxidant thanks to its content in coumarins, substances that minimize the action of free radicals and are present as a coumarin emulsion in cosmetics.
Lower cholesterol: because another of the benefits of pumpkin is that it helps us control cholesterol in the blood due to its lycopene content without contraindications or side effects.
Improve circulation: this is because pumpkin is rich in vitamin C and, therefore, contributes to our circulatory system working optimally and avoiding conditions such as atherosclerosis, varicose veins and the vast majority of disorders that affect the blood and veins.
Improves cardiovascular health: because it is rich in essential acids for heart health at the same time as folic acid does not make you fat, which it contains, and improves the nervous system.But in addition to providing these properties, there are also others related to vitamins and essential elements for life. So let’s see them.
Nutritional properties
Pumpkin properties and health benefits But to better understand its effects when it is assimilated indigestion, we will analyze the benefits of pumpkin and its nutritional properties, the fruit that reconstitutes the body.
Here we offer you a list of the main nutrients found in pumpkin:
Vitamins A, C and E.Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
Fibre.
Thanks to all these components, the nutritional value and, therefore, the properties of pumpkin are ideal for improving our digestive system and purifying the body. By containing high amounts of fibre and water, we will be able to eliminate toxins from the body and, in addition, regulate intestinal transit. Fibre is very good at preventing blockage of the large intestine. Although it works as a quick fix for constipation, if you are in that situation, Plantago ovata may be better for you or dieting the benefits of cascara sagrada for weight loss.
Although it has properties to eliminate constipation, food should lighten digestion or prevent it. For this reason, pumpkin to lose weight also helps since, at the same time, it manages to satisfy the appetite. Naturally, it makes it easier for you to be less bloated.
And once we know the contribution of nutrients, we will see the medicinal effects it has.
Medicinal properties
It is also an excellent food to improve our health. The reason is that many of its components work very well for some specific disorders of the body. Its composition is rich in fibre and improves urination. It manages to alleviate some ailments or improve bodily functions making us enjoy an optimal state of health. So yes, pumpkin also has medicinal properties.
So let’s discover which are the most prominent and why it is worth including in your diet: Nutritional and medicinal properties of pumpkin.
Regulates blood sugar levels: by eating pumpkin, we can stimulate the function of the pancreas.
Reduces mucus: because it clears mucus in areas such as the throat, lungs and bronchi. It is ideal for the common cold and its symptoms and discomfort.
Strengthens defences: another of the medicinal properties of pumpkin is that it helps us enjoy a stronger and more effective immune system. The reason is that it provides us with large amounts of antioxidants that are suitable for strengthening defences and protecting the body.
Cleanses the body: thanks to its diuretic effect and its fibre content, pumpkin is ideal for purifying the body and eliminating the presence of toxins. It increases the formation of urine and, this, in turn, is good because many toxins are expelled from the body.
Eliminate constipation: if you suffer from this health condition, start taking pumpkin since, thanks to its contribution to fibre, you will be able to regulate your intestinal transit.
Improves eye health: another of the medicinal properties of pumpkin is that it improves the health of our eyes because it provides us with vitamin A and beta-carotene.
Stronger and healthier heart: as we have already mentioned, pumpkin is ideal for improving our heart system thanks to the contribution of folic acid.