Content
Few people have tried zucchini seeds, unlike pumpkin seeds. Although they are also edible and healthy. They have long been successfully used in folk medicine and home cosmetology - the “multifaceted” beneficial effect on the body and appearance is due to their rich chemical composition. However, excessive consumption and the presence of contraindications can cause harm to health; this must be taken into account when “self-medicating”.
Is it possible to eat zucchini seeds?
Everyone knows that pumpkin, melon and cucumber seeds are edible. But zucchini belongs to the same family, so they can also be eaten. Moreover, not only zucchini is prepared with seeds, in which they are in a “rudimentary” state, but they are also extracted for food from the fruits of ordinary varieties, specifically allowing them to ripen normally.
Composition and calorie content of zucchini seeds
Zucchini itself is a dietary product (24 kcal per 100 g).But the calorie content of their seeds is 556 kcal per 100 g. For fried squash seeds, it increases even more. They contain a lot of proteins and fats (24.5-25 and 45-46 g per 100 g, respectively), but they contain relatively few carbohydrates (4.5-5 g per 100 g). Zucchini seeds are also eaten for dietary fiber, which quickly provides a feeling of fullness - 100 g contains about a fifth of the daily requirement.
Ground raw zucchini seeds can be used as an original and healthy seasoning for dishes
In addition to proteins, fats and carbohydrates, zucchini seeds contain vitamins necessary for maintaining health and normal functioning of the body:
- A - necessary to maintain visual acuity;
- B1 plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates;
- B2 is involved in lipid metabolism and is needed for the normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
- B5 promotes tissue regeneration and renewal at the cellular level;
- B6 maintains normal hemoglobin levels;
- B9 - without it, normal cell division is impossible;
- C strengthens the immune system;
- E protects the body from the negative effects of free radicals, which cause early aging.
Zucchini seeds also provide the body with macro- and microelements:
- sodium;
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- copper;
- manganese;
- selenium;
- iron;
- zinc
Roasted (especially with salt and spices) zucchini seeds lose almost all their benefits, but their calorie content increases
What are the benefits of zucchini seeds?
Adherents of traditional medicine highlight the following “directions” of the beneficial effects of zucchini seeds on the body:
- “Support” for the heart, which is provided by potassium and magnesium contained in zucchini seeds.
- Normalization of blood composition. Thanks to their high iron concentration, zucchini seeds help to “raise” low hemoglobin levels. They also help get rid of cholesterol plaques.
- Improving overall physical endurance. When regularly included in the diet, zucchini seeds help saturate tissues with oxygen.
- Restoration of the digestive tract. Zucchini seeds are rich in fiber and pectin. They are recommended to be included in the diet even after surgery affecting the stomach and intestines. They ensure rapid digestion of food and regular bowel movements. They can also be used for intoxication, helping to remove toxic substances from the body.
- Strengthening the immune system. Zucchini seeds are a valuable “addition” to the diet in winter and during spring vitamin deficiency, when fresh vegetables and fruits are in short supply.
- Removing excess fluid, waste and toxins from the body. Regular consumption of zucchini seeds is a great “help” for the liver, kidneys and the prevention of edema.
- Maintaining youth. In home cosmetology, zucchini seeds are used to combat signs of aging skin, strengthen nails and hair.
- Relief from diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Zucchini seeds for arthritis, arthrosis, gout help normalize water-salt metabolism and promote the regeneration of bone and cartilage tissue.
- Fight against parasites. Zucchini seeds contain santonin, which is harmful to most helminths.
- Normalization of psycho-emotional state. Zucchini seeds promote recovery from chronic stress, depression, and help fight insomnia.
The richness of the chemical composition easily explains the demand for zucchini seeds in folk medicine
Even those who stick to a diet and regularly include zucchini in their menu may not remove the seeds from them. In small quantities, they will not “overload” the body with calories, but will improve the taste of dishes, thanks to the original “nutty” taste. They also help cause thirst, and maintaining a drinking regime in the fight against excess weight is very important.
Folk recipes
The simplest “recipe” of traditional medicine, if you do not need to specifically solve a specific problem, is to eat about a handful of zucchini seeds every day, providing the body with useful substances and “supporting” it. But there are also means to combat various diseases.
To combat parasites
A decoction of zucchini seeds will help get rid of worms and other helminths. Approximately 50 g of “raw material” is poured into 200 ml of clean water, brought to a boil and kept on low heat for about half an hour. After this, the liquid is left in a water bath for two hours. The finished decoction of zucchini seeds is filtered, cooled to room temperature, drunk between meals, dividing into 2-3 equal portions.
“Treatment” with a decoction of zucchini seeds must be continued until the helminths are completely expelled
For diabetes
For diabetes of any type, “treatment” with traditional medicine based on zucchini seeds helps to normalize blood composition, lower sugar levels and “saturate” the body with useful substances.The latter help to improve his general well-being, strengthen the immune system and alleviate the condition of many “accompanying” diseases of diabetes mellitus, “support” almost all organs and systems.
Diabetics are recommended to drink “milk” every day before lunch, preparing a new portion each time. Zucchini seeds crushed to a powder (2 heaped tablespoons) are poured with 100 ml of water and stir well, adding 0.5 tsp. natural liquid honey.
When including zucchini seeds in the diet for diabetes, you need to take into account contraindications caused by “accompanying” diseases
For depression
Tincture of zucchini seeds has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state not only in cases of prolonged depression. It helps to recover from chronic stress, get rid of the consequences of nervous tension, causeless mood swings and attacks of anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems.
First, 150 g of zucchini seeds crushed to a pulpy state are poured with 500 ml of vodka in a hermetically sealed dark glass container. Over the next three weeks, keep the liquid in a cool place, protect it from direct sunlight and vigorously shake it several times a day.
After this, add 4 tbsp to the tincture of zucchini seeds. l. natural liquid honey, mix well and leave for another week. Daily shaking is repeated. Filter the finished liquid, take 1 tbsp. l. after dinner and about an hour before bedtime.
The duration of the “course of treatment” with tincture of zucchini seeds is three months.
To strengthen the immune system
First, prepare “caramel” by melting a mixture of sugar and butter (1 tablespoon each) with milk (100 ml) in a thick-bottomed saucepan or saucepan. To prevent it from burning, keep it on low heat and stir constantly. Add a glass of zucchini seeds to the thickened “caramel”, cool slightly, and form “candies” with a teaspoon. They are laid out on trays, large plates, baking sheets lined with parchment paper or foil until completely frozen.
You can eat 3-5 “candies” made from zucchini seeds per day.
For infertility in men
If you have problems with the reproductive system, men can eat sprouted zucchini seeds. This “treatment” promotes:
- activation of testosterone synthesis and maintaining its production at the achieved level;
- improving potency and increasing libido;
- improving the quality of seminal fluid.
Peel the zucchini from the seeds, fill them with water in any deep container in a ratio of approximately 2:3. After 15-20 minutes, some of them may float up. They are immediately disposed of - they do not contain a viable embryo. The rest are put in a dark, warm place for 8-10 hours.
Then the zucchini seeds are laid out on a plate, tray, baking sheet, covered with a damp cloth, towel and left for a day, not allowing them to dry out. They need warmth and light to germinate. Every morning, eat a glass of zucchini seeds on an empty stomach.
Leftover uneaten zucchini seed sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
The use of zucchini seeds in cosmetology
The substances contained in zucchini seeds are useful not only for restoring and maintaining health. They are used in home cosmetology to preserve youth and beauty.
For wrinkles
A decoction of raw zucchini seeds restores tone, smooth and healthy skin color, and reduces wrinkles. It is prepared by pouring 100 g of “raw material” with 200 ml of clean water. After letting the liquid boil for five minutes, add fresh chamomile flowers (50 g), sage (20 g), mint or lemon balm leaves (15 g). After another minute, the decoction of zucchini seeds is removed from the heat, cooled and filtered.
You can wash your face or wipe your face with a decoction of zucchini seeds 2-3 times a day.
To strengthen hair
Zucchini seed masks are applied to wet hair before washing and left on for 15-20 minutes. Popular recipes:
- To combat fragility and split ends. Mix 100 g of seeds crushed into pulp, 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil, 1 tbsp. l. liquid honey.
- To add volume. Grind 200 g of zucchini in a blender without removing the seeds, add the contents of two capsules of vitamin A or E oil concentrate.
- For smoothness and shine. To the pulp of zucchini seeds (100 g), add milk (200 ml) mixed with honey and flaxseed oil (1 tsp each).
Wash off the hair mask with regular cool water or herbal decoction.
Damage to zucchini seeds
Allergy to zucchini seeds is rare, but possible. If you have an individual intolerance, you cannot eat them “in their pure form,” or stew zucchini with seeds. There are other contraindications, in the presence of which eating them can aggravate the patient’s condition or cause an attack:
- acute inflammatory process in the digestive tract;
- ulcer of the stomach, intestines, gastritis in the acute stage;
- frequent attacks of diarrhea, bloating, pain in the stomach or intestines, flatulence;
- cholelithiasis or urolithiasis; other chronic kidney and liver diseases;
- increased acidity of gastric juice.
During pregnancy, it is not recommended to abuse zucchini seeds due to their high calorie content. The question of their suitability for food must be discussed with your doctor. The zucchini themselves, if you first remove the seeds, are not excluded from the menu in most cases.
How to store seeds
If zucchini seeds are stored in optimal or close to optimal conditions, they do not lose their beneficial properties for 7-8 years. But the concentration of vitamins, macro- and microelements inevitably decreases, so it is better to use it within 3-4 years.
Any breathable container is suitable for storing zucchini seeds - canvas or paper bags, small cardboard boxes or wooden boxes. Only very well-dried zucchini seeds can be placed in hermetically sealed glass, plastic, or tin containers. The room where they are stored should be quite cool (12-15 °C). Low air humidity is also important.
Fungal diseases quickly develop in undried zucchini seeds and at high air humidity in the room.
Conclusion
Zucchini seeds, in the absence of contraindications, are actively used in folk medicine to treat a variety of diseases. They are also used in home cosmetology. However, the presence of health-promoting vitamins and other substances in them is combined with a high calorie content, and there are also contraindications for their use.
