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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 approximately in the same price category. Pumpkin is extremely easy to clean and often surpasses the taste of potatoes. What is the matter - in public stereotypes or in harm, which can cause this vegetable? Let's figure it out together.
Historical background
Pumpkin, "tavern", "garbuz" - all these are the names of one vegetable, which was very popular among the ancient Slavs. In ancient times, they practically did not use potatoes as a side dish. Instead, our ancestors prepared simple turnips or wheat, and soon a pumpkin. There are a lot of theories, according to which the tradition of eating potatoes is imposed by force.Moreover, it was believed by the people 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 in about three to four thousand years BC. They considered the bright orange fruit as symbols of the sun. Peruvian Incas made food from their flesh, used seeds for the treatment of some ailments, and used the peel for making dishes.
A little later, the Romans and the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire learned about the pumpkin. The latter made festive bowls of it for performing various rituals. Among the Slavic peoples, pumpkin was widely known only about four hundred years ago. This was due to the Persian merchants, who often brought various "overseas" goodies. In Europe, pumpkin gained demand only in the nineteenth century.
Today, the pumpkin is actively used for the preparation of various national dishes. Seed extracts of this fruit are often included in the composition of drugs intended to normalize the function of the prostate gland and reduce the level of cholesterol in the body.
The benefits of pumpkin
- It preserves its taste for a long period of time (up to four months).
- Due to the universal taste, it can be used both for making porridges and soups, as well as for creating cakes and other desserts from the category of baking. Pumpkin is cooked, fried, stewed, baked and consumed raw.
- From its pulp make a great juice, and from the seeds - extremely useful oils.
Pumpkin as a means of healing
This fruit has a very low degree of calorie - only 37 calories per 100 grams. At the same time, it is easily absorbed even by children. Pumpkin with confidence can be called an ideal source of beneficial vitamins and trace elements, in particular protein. In addition, despite the almost complete absence of fat, it is nourishing, 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 Pumpkin
A pumpkin is 90% water, but it contains four times more carotene than carrots.In addition, it includes fiber, vitamins B1, B2, PP, C, E, K, T (to speed up the metabolism) and others.
The benefits of pumpkin porridge
Both raw and after heat treatment the pumpkin is rich in fluorine, potassium, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc. According to a number of scientific analyzes, it significantly strengthens the blood vessels, reducing the likelihood of developing heart disease. Use pumpkin porridge is recommended even to carriers of chronic hepatitis.
It should also be noted that even babies, many mothers give pumpkin porridge, which helps to cope with constipation and improve the workings of the digestive tract of the baby. Pediatricians recommend giving this dish to children 2 times a week.
Pumpkin porridge and slimming
Harm pumpkin porridge
Cooked pumpkin in the form of porridge does not pose any danger, but to eat it raw in too large quantities is not worth it.This is especially true for people with diabetes, gastritis and ulcers.
Video: delicious pumpkin porridge recipe
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