Gastroenterologist pointed out the health benefits and harms of pumpkin

Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and is ideal for dietary and healthy eating, but if consumed incorrectly, it can cause harm. About how pumpkin affects the body, and when its consumption can be unsafe, in a conversation with Izvestia on February 6, told the doctor-gastroenterologist of JSC "Medicine" (clinic of Academician Roitberg,), Candidate of Medical Sciences Evgeny Belousov.

"It is loved by nutritionists for the fact that it helps to improve metabolism and reduce appetite. Zinc and vitamin E have a good effect on men, promoting the synthesis of testosterone and the health of blood vessels and heart. Pumpkin has been used in folk medicine to eliminate helminths due to the amino acid cucurbitin within the seeds. A pumpkin mask can moisturize and brighten the skin," he shared.

Due to its high content of carotene, vitamins K, C, E, and almost all B vitamins, pumpkin is valued for its nutritional properties. At the same time, its seeds are rich in zinc and the pulp is low in calories. However, the expert emphasized, it is important to remember that obesity is a serious disease that requires specialist consultation, so do not prescribe diets on your own.

Nevertheless, the doctor added, diabetics, people with kidney and gallbladder stones, as well as gastric problems, it is better to consume pumpkin carefully. Raw pumpkin is harder to digest, which can cause problems in children and the elderly. With frequent consumption, unpleasant reactions from the intestines are possible, and an overabundance of carotene can lead to false jaundice. Pumpkin seeds, despite their benefits, are high in calories, so they, unlike the pulp, should not be consumed during the diet, advised the expert.

In addition, he revealed how to choose the right pumpkin. Thus, you should avoid cracked pumpkins with dents or dark spots. The cuttings of a ripe vegetable will always be dark and dry.

Earlier, on December 27, nutriciologist Zhanna Antonyuk also told "Izvestia" that pumpkin is not recommended for people with exacerbation of gastritis or peptic ulcer and those who are allergic to it. In diabetes, it is important to monitor the amount of pumpkin consumed to prevent sharp changes in blood sugar levels, she emphasized.