Cucurbita moschata Duchesne, we often call it the pumpkin plant. It is a vine that grows in hot, humid climates, on well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Here we will see what are the health benefits of pumpkin flowers. So, pumpkin flowers are not only a form of pumpkin fruit alone, but many people consume pumpkin flowers as a snack that is rich in nutrients and benefits. Pumpkin is a plant that belongs to the cucurbit family. In addition to pumpkin, plants that belong to this family are squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, and cucumber. Pumpkin plants have male and female flowers that are located close together. Pumpkin flower color is bright yellow, axillary or solitary.
Ok, before we get into the discussion about the health benefits of pumpkin flowers, let’s first look at the nutritional profile of pumpkin flowers.
Table of Contents
Nutritional Value
Pumpkin flowers are no less delicious than pumpkins. That is why, many also consume pumpkin flowers. It is not only delicious on the tongue but also rich in benefits because it is full of nutrients. If you consume 33 grams of pumpkin flowers, then you have received 9.2 mg of vitamin C, 19 g of vitamin B9, 0.23 mg of Iron, 32 g of Vitamin A, 16 mg of Phosphorus, 0.228 mg of Vitamin B3, 8 mg of Magnesium, 0.025 mg of Vitamin B2, and get 0.2 mg of Selenium.
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Health Benefits of Pumpkin Flowers
You may have never harvested pumpkin flowers, but pumpkin flowers are not only delicious but also rich in health benefits that are the effect of their high nutritional value. Pumpkin flowers contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fiber which are good enough to support a healthy body. Similar to pumpkin, the flowers are also delicious and have many health benefits. Among the health benefits of pumpkin flowers are as follows.
1. Cure for colds
Colds and coughs are two types of health symptoms that come together often. How to avoid it and treat it is to increase immunity. The content of vitamin C in pumpkin flowers has a good effect on increasing immunity. This will certainly keep and protect us from coughs and colds.
Pumpkin flowers contain 9.2 mg of vitamin C, and this is 10.22% of the daily requirement of the body. Getting used to you and your family consuming pumpkin flowers can provide the family with sufficient nutrition for vitamin C. Vitamin C will optimize iron absorption and strengthen the body from various attacks of bacteria and bad organisms, even vitamin C also fights viruses.
Also see: Health Benefits of Virginia Snakeroot
2. Good in bone formation
The health benefits of delicious pumpkin flowers are also very important in the formation of bones and teeth. The calcium content in pumpkin flowers plays an important role in the formation of strong and healthy bones. In fact, the benefits of calcium are healthy gums and tooth enamel.
Consuming pumpkin flowers that are dense in calcium also provides benefits for preventing bone loss, and making bones solid.
3. Good for male infertility
If you feel infertile, then there is no need to quickly take fertility drugs. Try consuming pumpkin flowers as a natural food that provides fertility. The content of vitamin B9 functions as folate, this is very essential for sperm formation and function.
Men who have a low intake of foods high in folate are often found to have poor sperm quality. The chromosomal structure is often damaged. Pumpkin flowers are foods that contain folate so if we make it a daily diet, it is very good in improving the quality of your fertility.
Also read; Health Benefits of Jocote (Spanish Plum)
4. Benefits of pumpkin flowers for eyes
Pumpkin also contains vitamin A which plays a role in healthy eyes. The content of vitamin A which acts as an antioxidant provides benefits in protecting the eyes from damage and macular degeneration. Consuming foods rich in vitamin A is useful for maintaining eye moisture, improving eyesight and adjusting vision to lighting. Vitamin A also helps the formation of purple visuals in the eyes and this will give strength to weak eyes.
Consuming foods rich in vitamin A can also keep the eyes from night blindness and nourish the retina of the eye. Another benefit of consuming foods rich in vitamin A is to reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and prevent premature aging.
5. Boosting immunity
Pumpkin flowers that are consumed regularly will provide other great benefits such as boosting immunity. In fact, experts from the Linus Pauling Institute, say that iron from pumpkin flowers is very useful for building immunity and increasing its ability to fight pathogens. So, to get these benefits, consume pumpkin flowers regularly every day. If you don’t know how to eat pumpkin flowers, please see below.
How to Eat
Pumpkin flowers can be eaten, you can add them in salads and eat them directly. You can also eat pumpkin flowers by adding them to the vegetables and cooking them at the same time. You can also consume it by steaming it.
Pumpkin flowers are also sometimes added to potato soup. So, for added nutrition, add pumpkin flowers in your potato soup.
