Pumpkin seeds during pregnancy: the benefits and harms of use at different times

Nutrition of the future mother is often limited, since many foods can harm the fetus. This article will help to understand whether it is possible to use pumpkin seeds during pregnancy, and also will tell in more detail about the benefits and harms of this product for the female body at different periods.

Pumpkin seeds are one of the food products that are allowed to feed expectant mothers. This product is natural, contains many beneficial vitamins and mineral components, and also rarely causes any adverse symptoms. When eating pumpkin seeds, be sure to remember about the measure. With large doses, even this harmless product can be a real poison for the body. A small portion is enough to fill the body's need for nutrients and vitamins.

People began to eat pumpkin seeds for a long time. Scientists are still arguing what state can be considered the birthplace of this plant. Some believe that the "first acquaintance" with the pumpkin took place in America, while others believe that the "pumpkin" originated in China. However, the popularity of this useful vegetable is so huge that it is a favorite for residents of many countries.

Pumpkin seeds contain an abundance of useful components for the body. Ascorbic acid is present in them, as well as various vitamins of group B.

Rich in seeds and folic acid. This substance is extremely important during pregnancy. This component is necessary so that new cells appear in the body of a baby developing in the mother's womb, which will become the basis of internal organs.

A lack of folic acid in the mother’s blood often leads to serious developmental pathologies in a baby. In order to prevent such pathologies, doctors prescribe various multivitamin complexes to pregnant women, in which folic acid is necessarily included. Diet also plays an important role in the prevention of folic acid deficiency. In the diet of the future mother must include food and vegetables that are rich in natural folic acid. Pumpkin seeds contain folates necessary for the normal functioning of the cells.

The use of pumpkin seeds is also an excellent prevention of various vascular disorders. So, in the composition of seeds there are substances that are able to strengthen the walls of the arteries, making blood vessels more durable. The stronger the arteries that feed the fetus, the less chance of the formation of various pathologies of intrauterine development in a child.

The presence of B vitamins in pumpkin seeds allows you to use them to improve the general well-being of the future mother. Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. Changing hormones is the underlying cause of sudden and frequent mood swings. Some women point out that during pregnancy they often experienced severe mood swings - from a state of joy to a sudden appearance of tears in their eyes.

To reduce the severity of such manifestations, expectant mothers can be done by including pumpkin seeds in their menu. Thiamine and riboflavin contained in them have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, which contributes to relaxation and relaxation. Eating pumpkin seeds even helps improve sleep and has a positive effect on sleep duration.

It is worth noting that pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of carotenoids. These components are necessary for the formation of the visual apparatus in the fetus, as well as for the optimal development of nervous tissue. Carotenoids are also components that have a positive effect on immunity. Pregnant women who consume a sufficient amount of foods rich in such components, as a rule, are less likely to develop colds.

Special components present in pumpkin seeds are useful fatty acids. One of them is Omega-3. Scientists have shown that consuming a sufficient amount of this component during pregnancy is a good prevention of the development of many diseases. Omega-3 is also able to have a beneficial effect on the processes of prenatal development of the fetus.

Interestingly, pumpkin seeds can be applied not only inside, but also used for local treatment. The abundance of components capable of exerting an antiseptic effect makes it possible to use seeds for the treatment of various skin wounds. Thus, the crushed mass of pumpkin seeds, mixed with boiled water at room temperature, can be used to eliminate skin rashes.

No future mom certainly wants to catch a cold during pregnancy. For the treatment of colds, prescribing medicines is required, some of which are simply dangerous to use during pregnancy. Preference in treatment for future mothers is given to natural herbal remedies. So, to alleviate the general condition and improve well-being during a cold can be achieved through the use of a decoction made from pumpkin seeds. The use of such a healthy drink helps to reduce the temperature, reduce cough and promotes faster recovery.

Pumpkin seeds, although they are relatively safe food, but even they in some cases can provoke the appearance of adverse symptoms. As a rule, such clinical manifestations occur when pumpkin seeds are consumed in large quantities. Also, uncomfortable symptoms may occur in women who have certain contraindications.

You should not eat pumpkin seeds and women who have a history of calculous ("stone") cholecystitis or cholelithiasis. The use of pumpkin seeds can trigger the passage of stones along the bile ducts, which can lead to the development of obturation (blockage). In this case, emergency hospitalization may be required for urgent treatment.

It is better to eat pumpkin seeds to future mothers who have any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract organs, after prior consultation with your doctor. When using these seeds should be sure to remember about caution and evaluate their own well-being. So, if on the background of their reception in the stomach appeared soreness, severe gas formation and frequent stools, then their use should be abandoned.

One of the unpleasant symptoms that can darken during pregnancy is heartburn. Also, future mothers often complain of nausea, which usually worries in the morning. Usually these unpleasant clinical signs appear in early pregnancy and are manifestations of toxicosis. To cope with these symptoms is quite difficult. Sometimes toxicosis is so pronounced that it contributes to the complete disappearance of appetite and even disrupts the course of a healthy pregnancy.

Pumpkin seeds contain components that can reduce the severity of these adverse events.They can be used both to prevent the development of toxicosis in the first half of pregnancy, and to reduce unpleasant symptoms, if this uncomfortable pathological condition has already developed.

There are pumpkin seeds future moms can and in late pregnancy. However, when used, be sure to remember about the measure. Pumpkin seeds, especially roasted, have a relatively high caloric content - 580-600 kcal per 100 grams. In order not to gain extra pounds, it is worth eating only a small handful of pumpkin seeds.

In pumpkin seeds there is a specific specific substance - cucurbin. This component is a unique natural remedy with antiparasitic action. Eating pumpkin seeds helps not only to avoid helminthic diseases, but also to cope with them when infected with helminths.

It should be noted that for the treatment of pathologies caused by worms, it is better to use raw pumpkin seeds, since the concentration of cucurbin in them is maximum. Of course, expectant mothers can eat both fried and dried sunflower seeds, however, the useful antiparasitic component they will contain significantly less than fresh ones.

When consuming roasted pumpkin seeds, remember that Do not eat large quantities of those that have been browned with a lot of oil. Their use can instead harm the body, and also cause extra pounds. Also, a large portion of roasted seeds can cause bitterness in the mouth.

About the benefits and dangers of pumpkin seeds, see the following video.