The content of the article
In most cases, choosing between pumpkin and mashed potatoes, we prefer the latter. It is not known how this is justified, because these products are in approximately the same price category. Pumpkin is extremely easy to peel and often surpasses the taste of potatoes. What is the matter - in public stereotypes or in the harm that this vegetable can cause? Let's figure it out together.
Historical background
Pumpkin, “tavern”, “watermelon” - all these are the names of one vegetable, which was very popular among the ancient Slavs. In ancient times, they practically did not eat potatoes as a side dish. Instead, our ancestors prepared simple turnips or wheat, and soon a pumpkin. There are many theories according to which the tradition of using potatoes as food is imposed by force. Moreover, the people believed that it weakens people and is grown to exterminate the Slavs as an ethnic community!
But back to the pumpkin. This vegetable began to be grown on the American continent by the Incas about three to four thousand years BC. They regarded the bright orange fruits as symbols of the sun. Peruvian Incas prepared food from their pulp, used seeds to treat certain ailments, and peels were used to make dishes.
A little later, the Romans and the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom learned about the pumpkin. The latter made festive bowls of it for performing various rituals. Among the Slavic peoples, pumpkin became widely known only about four hundred years ago. This happened thanks to the Persian merchants, who often brought different "overseas" goodies. In Europe, pumpkin found demand only in the nineteenth century.
Today, pumpkin is actively used for cooking various national dishes. Seed extracts of this fruit are often included in the composition of medications designed to normalize the function of the prostate gland and reduce cholesterol in the body.
Pumpkin benefits
- It retains taste for a long period of time (up to four months).
- Due to its universal taste, it can be used both for cooking cereals and soups, and for creating pies and other desserts from the category of baking. Pumpkin is cooked, fried, stewed, baked and consumed raw.
- Great pulp is made from its pulp, and extremely healthy oils are made from seeds.
Pumpkin as a remedy for healing
This fruit has a very low calorie content - only 37 calories per 100 grams. Moreover, it is easily absorbed even by children. Pumpkin with confidence can be called an ideal source of useful vitamins and minerals, in particular protein. In addition, despite the almost complete absence of fat, it is satisfying, so it is difficult to overeat. This is especially important for athletes.
Pumpkin pulp contains pectins - water-soluble fiber. They normalize the work of the intestines and remove harmful substances. In addition, pectins contribute to the accelerated healing of skin (external) ulcers.
Nutrients in the composition of the pumpkin
Pumpkin is 90% water, but contains four times more carotene than carrots. In addition, it includes fiber, vitamins B1, B2, PP, C, E, K, T (to speed up metabolism) and others.
The benefits of pumpkin porridge
Both in its raw form and after heat treatment, pumpkin is rich in fluorine, potassium, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc.According to a number of scientific analyzes, it significantly strengthens blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of developing heart disease. Pumpkin porridge is recommended even for carriers of chronic hepatitis.
Also, it should be noted that even mothers give many mothers pumpkin porridge, which helps to cope with constipation and improve the digestive tract in a baby. Pediatricians recommend giving this dish to children 2 times a week.
Pumpkin porridge and weight loss
Harm pumpkin porridge
Cooked pumpkin in the form of porridge does not present any danger, but eating it in raw form in too large quantities is better not worth it. This is especially true for people with diabetes, gastritis and ulcers.
Video: delicious pumpkin porridge recipe
Submit