Pumpkin seeds during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

In Russia, this word is usually understood as cultivated varieties of pumpkin, which are used in food and as a fodder plant. The pumpkin has a hard outer layer, and inside there is a lot of flattened, framed seed swelling. In total there are about 20 varieties of this plant, some of them are cultivated as ornamental. In edible varieties, pulp and seeds are used as food. Dried unheated pumpkin seeds are used as a medicinal raw material.

The composition of pumpkin seeds

The man began to grow pumpkins from time immemorial. Both the pulp and the seeds have been used in the human diet and as a medicine. Pumpkin seeds are used after drying, their composition is given exactly for this condition:

• caloric content - 559 kilocalories per 100 g of product;
• fat - 49%;
• proteins - 30%;
• dietary fiber - 6%;
• carbohydrates - 11%;
• moisture - 4%.

Also in pumpkin seeds there are a lot of vitamins A, C, E, group B. Contains quite a large number of trace elements, polyunsaturated acids, amino acids.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds during pregnancy

Pumpkin seeds contain many components that have a positive effect on the well-being of the future mother.

Vitamins

They are rich in vitamins of group B, they contain thiamine (0.273 mg per 100 grams of the product), riboflavin (0.153 mg), pantothenic acid (0.75 mg), pyridoxine (0.143 mg), choline (63 mg), folic acid ( 58 mcg. Vitamins of this group are extremely important for normal activity of the central nervous system, for proper protein and fat metabolism. They contribute to the production of nucleic acids necessary to improve memory, healthy skin.

Folic acid deficiency occurs in a large number of pregnant women. This is expressed in general weakness and fatigue, dizziness, frequent headaches, anemia, decreased immunity, irritability, and neurosis. Vitamin B9 deficiency can provoke premature detachment of the placenta, premature birth, fetal death of the baby.The lack of this vitamin detrimental effect on the development of the fetus. There may be defects in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, which will adversely affect the development of the nervous system as a whole.

Vitamin A in 100 grams of pumpkin seeds is present in an amount of 1.9 mg, and the content of vitamin E (tocopherol) reaches 2.18 mg. The complex of these vitamins is necessary for the functioning of the reproductive system, improving immunity, rejuvenating the body.

Trace elements

1. Zinc (7.81 mg) also strengthens the immune system, is involved in the formation of many enzymes and hormones necessary for the synthesis of collagen, prevent allergic manifestations, for the full absorption of vitamin A. The body of a pregnant woman should receive enough zinc to reduce the risk of miscarriage and fetal abnormalities.
2. Copper (1343 mg) is involved in the process of blood formation, insulin synthesis, production of sex hormones. If there is not enough copper from food, the absorption of iron deteriorates and the activity of the cardiovascular system is weakened. Poor absorption of iron can aggravate the situation with a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood, caused by an increase in blood volume in the body of a pregnant woman.
3. Magnesium (592 mg) is involved in a variety of metabolic processes.It supports blood sugar levels, is important for the prevention of the formation of stones in the gallbladder and kidneys. Lack of magnesium affects the state of the nervous system, causes increased pain in the joints. Many women throughout pregnancy experience nervous tension. In the first half of the term, this is due to hormonal changes in the body; at the end of pregnancy, fear of future childbirth and feelings about the condition of the baby are added. In the second half, many women experience insomnia due to the inability to choose a comfortable position during sleep. Therefore, magnesium contained in pumpkin seeds is very important as a sedative, relaxing agent. Increased body weight, changes in posture due to the appearance of the abdomen increases the load on the joints. And magnesium will help to cope with this problem, it will ease the condition of the feet of the future mother.
4. Phosphorus (1233 mg) in combination with calcium is necessary for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It is important for the normal functioning of the brain, metabolism, keeping muscles in shape.
5. Manganese (4,543 mg) promotes the absorption of vitamins, the production of hormones and enzymes.It is difficult to overestimate its importance for the formation of the skeleton, the assimilation of food, the strengthening of the nervous system. Manganese is important for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cancer problems.

Pumpkin seeds contain 12 essential and 8 essential amino acids. To get the daily rate, 100 grams of seeds is enough. Amino acids such as histidine, arginine, lysine and cysteine ​​are building blocks for cells. During pregnancy, the growing fetus takes from the mother's body the substances necessary for its proper formation and development. Therefore, it needs to constantly replenish their stocks.

Polyunsaturated acids, useful for pregnant women, are present in pumpkin seeds, such as oleic, linoleic, omega – 3, omega – 6. These substances are necessary for the normalization of fat metabolism. During pregnancy, due to hormonal adjustment, many women face the problem of the appearance of excess weight. Polyunsaturated acids do not allow excess fatty tissue to be deposited in the body.

In folk medicine, pumpkin seeds are used as an anthelmintic not the first century.If a pregnant woman is faced with this problem, it is better to use this natural drug, since most drugs are now contraindicated to her. 100 g of crushed seeds must be combined with 500 ml of milk, use 2 tablespoons of the mixture on an empty stomach. Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin, a substance harmless to humans, that kills parasites. After four days of taking this remedy, the disease will subside.

The harmful properties of pumpkin seeds

All these beneficial properties have raw seeds, while roasting reduces the amount of vitamin C, fats are oxidized.

Try not to forget about the pumpkin seed cons:

1. Sunflower seeds - a high-calorie product, limit its use. The maximum that you can afford is 100 g of pumpkin seeds per day. It is best to add them raw to salads, second and first courses. Thus, you will not exceed the daily rate, diversify your diet.
2. The use of seeds can badly affect the condition of the tooth enamel, it is desirable to clean them with your hands.
3. It is necessary to consider the possibility of allergic reactions.

With a reasonable and metered use, pumpkin seeds will only benefit a pregnant woman. Daily portion divide them into several receptions. Do not eat sunflower seeds in the evening, as fatty heavy food will not have time to process and may lead to the appearance of excess body weight. Try to get fresh raw materials, independently wash, fry or dry it.

Video: the benefits and harm of pumpkin seeds