Pumpkin seeds during pregnancy - benefits and harms

In Russia, this word usually refers to cultivated pumpkin varieties that are used as food and as a fodder plant. Pumpkin has a hard outer layer, and inside there are many flattened, framed by bloating seeds. 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 in food. Unheated dried pumpkin seeds are used as medicinal raw materials.

Composition of pumpkin seeds

Man began to grow pumpkin from time immemorial. Both pulp and seeds have found application both in the human diet and as a medicine. Pumpkin seeds are used after drying, their composition is given just for this condition:

• calorie content - 559 kilocalories per 100 g of product;
• fats - 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. A rather large number of microelements, polyunsaturated acids, amino acids is contained.

The benefits of pumpkin seeds during pregnancy

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

Vitamins

They are rich in B vitamins, they contain thiamine (0.273 mg per 100 grams of 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 the normal functioning 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 is observed in a large number of pregnant women. This is expressed in general weakness and fatigue, dizziness, frequent headaches, anemia, decreased immunity, irritability, and neurosis. Deficiency of vitamin B9 can provoke premature placental abruption, premature birth, and intrauterine death of the baby. The lack of this vitamin is detrimental to the development of the fetus. Defects in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus may occur, which will negatively 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 reproductive system to function, improve immunity, and rejuvenate the body.

Trace elements

1. Zinc (7.81 mg) also strengthens the immune system, participates in the formation of many enzymes and hormones necessary for the synthesis of collagen, to 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 occurrence pathologies of the fetus.
2. Copper (1343 mg) is involved in blood formation, insulin synthesis, and the production of sex hormones. If copper does not receive enough food, the absorption of iron is impaired, the activity of the cardiovascular system is weakened. Poor absorption of iron can aggravate the situation with a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood, which arose due to an increase in blood volume in the body of a pregnant woman.
3. Magnesium (592 mg) is involved in many metabolic processes. It maintains blood sugar levels and is important for preventing the formation of gallstones and kidney stones. Lack of magnesium affects the state of the nervous system, causing increased pain in the joints. Many women experience stress throughout their pregnancy.In the first half of the term, this is due to hormonal changes in the body, at the end of pregnancy, fear of future births, worries about the baby's condition are added. In the second half, many women experience insomnia because of 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, a change in posture due to the appeared abdomen increases the load on the joints. And magnesium will help to cope with this problem, ease the condition of the legs of the future mother.
4. Phosphorus (1233 mg) in combination with calcium is necessary to maintain healthy bones and teeth. It is important for the normal functioning of the brain, metabolism, maintaining muscle tone.
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, and 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 are enough. Amino acids such as histidine, arginine, lysine and cysteine ​​are the 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, she 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 changes, many women face the problem of overweight. Polyunsaturated acids do not allow excess adipose tissue to deposit in the body.

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

Harmful properties of pumpkin seeds

All these beneficial properties have raw seeds, during frying, the amount of vitamin C decreases, fats are oxidized.

Try not to forget about the minuses of pumpkin seeds:

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 do not exceed the daily allowance, diversify your diet.
2. The use of seeds can adversely affect the condition of tooth enamel, it is advisable to clean them with your hands.
3. It is necessary to take into account the possibility of allergic reactions.

With a reasonable and dosed use, pumpkin seeds will bring a pregnant woman only benefit. Daily portion, divide them into several receptions. Do not eat sunflower seeds in the evening, as fatty heavy foods do not have time to process and can lead to the appearance of excess body weight. Try to acquire fresh raw materials, rinse, fry or dry it yourself.

Video: the benefits and harms of pumpkin seeds