Pumpkin, also known as sweet pumpkin or the eerie orange pumpkins we all associate with Halloween, is rich in high amounts of vitamins and minerals. It aids in weight loss, enhances vision, and is beneficial for rejuvenating facial skin.
These very large pumpkins have numerous medicinal and therapeutic properties for overall health. In the following, we intend to acquaint you with some of them:
:Pumpkin Benefits for Skin and Hair
:Important Note
Before applying any facial mask to sensitive areas of the body, test a small amount on your skin and wait for at least 20 minutes to ensure you don’t have any sensitivity to it.
:Facial Rejuvenation
The high levels of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C in pumpkin help improve blood circulation in facial skin, promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and rejuvenate the skin.
:Pumpkin and Honey Mask
Combine a quarter-cup of pumpkin puree with a tablespoon of natural honey, a tablespoon of milk, and an egg yolk. Apply this mixture to your face and neck, leave it on for 30 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
:Acne and Pimples
Pumpkin is a good source of niacin, which aids in improving blood circulation in facial skin and is useful for treating acne and pimples.
:Natural Sunscreen
Beta-carotene found in pumpkins acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting the skin from UV sunlight and reducing the risk of sunburn.
:Oily Skin Treatment
Pumpkin helps reduce facial skin oiliness and minimizes open pores.
:Pumpkin for Oily Skin Mask
Mix a tablespoon of pumpkin puree with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
:Dry Skin Treatment
Pumpkin’s high nutrient content nourishes dry facial skin, keeping it moisturized.
:Pumpkin for Dry Skin Mask
Combine two teaspoons of pumpkin puree with half a teaspoon of natural honey, a quarter teaspoon of milk, and a quarter teaspoon of sour cream. Apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water.
:Dark Spots and Blemishes
Due to its high levels of antioxidants and vitamin C, pumpkin assists in cleansing the skin and treating dark spots.
:Pumpkin Face Mask
Mix a tablespoon of pumpkin puree with a teaspoon of natural honey, a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and a teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture to your face, let it dry for 20 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.
:Hair Growth and Strengthening
The high levels of zinc in pumpkin help maintain hair collagen and strengthen scalp hair.
:Pumpkin Hair Mask
Mix two cups of pumpkin puree with a tablespoon of coconut oil, a tablespoon of natural honey, and a tablespoon of yogurt. Apply the mixture to your hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
:Medicinal and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin for the Body
:Diabetes and Blood Sugar
Scientific experiments have shown that pumpkin aids in reducing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, improving glucose tolerance, and increasing insulin production.
:Folate, Pregnancy, and Lactation
High levels of folate in pumpkin reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus during pregnancy.
:Infants and Children
The high nutrient content in pumpkin helps improve the growth of infants and children. Fiber in pumpkin reduces the risk of constipation in infants and children.
:Men’s Health
Research suggests that the high levels of zinc in pumpkin increase testosterone levels, treating sexual impotence and infertility in men.
:Stomach and Digestive System
The high fiber content in pumpkin assists with digestion, treats stomach ulcers, and contributes to gastrointestinal health.
:Constipation
Pumpkin’s fiber content improves bowel movements and is useful for preventing and treating constipation.
:Weight Loss
Pumpkin is considered one of the best fruits for weight loss. Its high fiber content helps reduce appetite and prevents overeating, promoting weight loss.
:Cold and Flu
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, both of which boost the immune system and reduce the risk of colds, flu, and coughs.
:Liver
Pumpkin is a natural diuretic that aids in detoxifying the body and liver, treating conditions like fatty liver disease.
:Vision Enhancement
Pumpkin is abundant in carotenoids and beta-carotene, which help enhance vision and reduce the risk of eye diseases.
:High Blood Pressure
Significant potassium levels in pumpkin help reduce high blood pressure.
:Heart Health
A study conducted at Harvard University shows that the high fiber content in pumpkin contributes to heart health and reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
:Cancer
Research by the Harvard School of Public Health indicates that the beta-carotene in pumpkin reduces the risk of cancer, especially prostate and colon cancer.
:Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pumpkin has strong anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
:Side Effects and Harmful Effects of Butternut Squash
.Allergy and Sensitivity The consumption of butternut squash may cause allergies and sensitivities in some individuals
Nature of Butternut Squash The nature and temperament of butternut squash is cool and moist. Butternut squash is rich in vitamin A, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, B6, folate, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Butternut squash, a sweet-tasting fruit with a yellow or orange color, is native to North America.
Ways to Use Butternut Squash in Food Raw butternut squash is used to prepare various smoothies and dietary fruit juices.
Steamed butternut squash is used to make cakes, pies, butternut squash puree, stews, salads, Borani (a yogurt-based dip), soups, Ash (a type of Iranian soup), stews, Pilaf, marmalade, and butternut squash sweets.
They roast butternut squash to prepare various dishes with it.
Nutritional Value of Cooked Butternut Squash Some of the most important nutrients present in a cup (245 grams) of freshly cooked butternut squash (non-canned) without added fats are as follows:
cooked Butternut Squash (1 cup) Amount.
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Calories 49
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Protein 1.8 grams
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Carbohydrates 12 grams
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Sugar 5 grams
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Fiber 2.7 grams
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Fat 0.17 grams
How Many Calories in Butternut Squash? Butternut squash is one of the low-calorie foods. The calorie content of boiled butternut squash (245 grams) is 49, and the calorie content of raw butternut squash (245 grams) is 63.7.
How Many Carbs in Butternut Squash? A cup of cooked butternut squash contains 12 grams of carbohydrates. Some of these carbohydrates are in the form of fiber, while others are in the form of sugars and starch. The carbohydrates found in butternut squash are filling, and since they have a low glycemic index, they have minimal effects on blood sugar levels. For this reason, consuming this food is not typically a significant concern for individuals with diabetes.
How Much Fat in Butternut Squash? Generally, fresh butternut squash contains minimal natural fat, but some canned products, pastries, and foods made with butternut squash may contain added fats. The amount of fat in a cup of freshly boiled butternut squash is 0.17 grams.
How Much Protein in Butternut Squash? Butternut squash is not considered a rich source of protein, and a cup of it contains only 1.8 grams of protein. However, many individuals add fresh or canned butternut squash to their meals or protein-rich smoothies. This food can be an excellent and healthy carbohydrate source for creating balanced protein-rich meals.
How Much Fiber in Butternut Squash? A cup of freshly boiled butternut squash contains 2.7 grams of hidden fiber.
What Is the Glycemic Index of Butternut Squash? Both the glycemic index and the glycemic load are criteria used to estimate the effects of foods on blood sugar. Although the glycemic index of butternut squash is above 75, its glycemic load is estimated to be 3.
Nutritional Value of Raw Butternut Squash Some of the most important nutrients present in 245 grams of raw butternut squash are as follows:
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Raw Butternut Squash (245 grams) Amount
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Calories 63.7
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Protein 2.5 grams
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Carbohydrates 15.9 grams
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Sugar 6.8 grams
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Fiber 1.2 grams
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Fat 0.2 grams
13 Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds
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Stress Reduction Pumpkin seeds have remarkable benefits for reducing stress. Consuming them, along with other stress-coping methods, can be effective. While it might be surprising, pumpkin seeds contain a substantial amount of magnesium, which has a calming effect on the nerves and is also beneficial for nerve transmission signals within the brain, contributing to an improved sense of well-being.
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Prostate Gland Protection Scientific studies have shown that pumpkin seeds, due to their bioactive components, can significantly help prevent the spread of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The bioactive components in pumpkin seeds can inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and enhance the mechanism of cell apoptosis. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining proper prostate function.
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Kidney Protection Phytochemicals in pumpkin seeds prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in the kidneys, which could otherwise lead to kidney stones or gallstones. They also help filter blood before entering the kidneys, aiding in blood purification and the elimination of excess metabolic waste materials from the body.
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Improved Bladder Function Research has shown that pumpkin seed extract can improve bladder function by enhancing urine retention and protecting against infections or disorders. This is due to the nutritional content and phytochemicals present in pumpkin seeds.
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Bone Strengthening Pumpkin seeds contain calcium and zinc, which are beneficial for maintaining bone density. Regular consumption of these seeds may be effective in preventing bone loss or osteoporosis, and individuals who incorporate them into their diets are generally at lower risk of osteoporosis in their later years.
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Preventing Arterial Hardening Fatty acids in pumpkin seeds can prevent cholesterol from entering blood vessels, thereby inhibiting arterial wall thickening. This thickening of the arterial walls can lead to increased blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
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Reducing Joint Inflammation Pumpkin seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce internal inflammation and function similarly to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These seeds have anti-inflammatory benefits that help protect joints against conditions like arthritis and reduce pain if already affected.
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Mood Enhancement If you want to boost your mood, simply snack on a handful of pumpkin seeds or incorporate them into your favorite dishes. Pumpkin seeds contain amino acids such as tryptophan, which increase serotonin production. These seeds stimulate the production of serotonin, a hormone that induces feelings of well-being and creates a good mood within the body.
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Accelerating Wound Healing Pumpkin seeds contain proteins known as body-building blocks and are highly effective for tissue repair. Damaged cells in the body are replaced by new cells, which are formed in the presence of proteins and amino acids. This is why pumpkin seeds are beneficial for wound healing.
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Anti-Aging and Skin Health Pumpkin seeds are packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants that prevent skin damage and the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
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Eradicating Parasitic Infections Native Americans used pumpkin seeds as a remedy for tapeworm and other parasitic infections. Subsequent research has shown that pumpkin seeds can be effective in reducing the growth of parasites and related infections in humans and animals.
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Brain Health Improvement The brain, like other organs, requires nutrients to function optimally. Pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which can protect brain cells and enhance their function.
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Blood Sugar Regulation Animal studies have demonstrated that pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed extract, pumpkin seed powder, and pumpkin seed oil can reduce blood sugar levels. This is particularly important for individuals with type 2 diabetes, as the high magnesium content in pumpkin seeds may be responsible for their positive effects on diabetes.
An observational study on over 127,000 individuals revealed that diets rich in magnesium were associated with a 33% lower risk of type 2 diabetes in men and a 34% lower risk in women.
Types of Squash in Iran
The various types of squash cultivated in our country, Iran, include:
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Sweet Squash
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Spaghetti Squash
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Lazy Squash
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Cucumber Squash
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Paper Bag Squash
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White Flower Squash
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Decorative Squash
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Yellow Pencil Squash
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Round Squash
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Winter Squash
It’s worth mentioning that squash is cultivated in Iran both in the summer and winter seasons. Summer squash tends to be less expensive compared to winter squash.
Among the introduced types of squash, the export of Sweet Squash and Spaghetti Squash has a higher demand.
Characteristics of Grade 1 Export Squash
One of the most important aspects of exporting any product is the quality of the exported items. Exported squash is no exception. In fact, the higher the quality of squash, the easier it is to sell.
Desirable characteristics of export squash include:
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Pleasant aroma
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Firm flesh
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Medium size
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Moisture content
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Uniform skin
Customs Tariff Code for Squash
The customs tariff code for various types of squash is as follows:
Customs Tariff Code (HS Code) for Sweet Squash, Squash, and Spaghetti Squash is: 07099300
Customs Tariff Code for processing the seeds of squash for culinary use is: 12129910
HS Code for squash seed kernels is: 12129920
Customs Tariff Code for processing squash seeds for oil extraction is: 12129930
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