The pumpkin
creeper running around in the compounds is a common sight ( well at least for those
who gets to see some greenery ). Often, this humble neglected plant sprouts from
the seeds of kitchen waste .
We are all
aware that pumpkins and even their seeds
have nutritional properties, but you will be surprised to know that the leaves,
tender shoots and stems have medicinal properties and can be used to make
delicious preparations. These can be stir fried just like cabbage or carrots and
if you like the taste, add some coconut, the result is amazing.
So maybe
next time, you can try your hand at cooking with some fresh pumpkin leaves and
stems, which is a good replacement for cabbage or cauliflower (It’s hard to
believe, how much insecticides they contain) .
Few months
back when I visited Nepal, apart from the serene beauty something else caught
my attention. When we were staying in the tribal village of Sirubari, they used
to make a preparation of pumpkin leaves which was delicious . It might even
have aphrodisiac properties, we should do some pioneering research that nobody
has done so far.
It seems to
have benefits in improving the sperm production. Some of the other known health
benefits of pumpkin leaves are:
1.
Prevention of convulsion: The young leaves sliced and mixed with coconut water
and salt are stored in a bottle and
used for the treatment of convulsion in ethno medicine.
2 Lowers
cholesterol: These leaves have hypolipdemic effect and may be a useful therapy
in hypercholestolemia.
3 Boost
fertility: A particular study showed that pumpkin has the potential to
regenerate testicular damage and also increase spermatogenesis.
4. It has liver protecting effects.
5. It
has antibacterial effects
6 .The
leaves are rich in iron and play a key role in curing of anemia.
7. The
leaves are also noted for their lactating
properties and are in high demand for nursing mothers.
8. It has an
hypoglycaemic (sugar reducing) effect and hence is good for diabetic patients.
9. It Increases
Blood Volume and Boost Immune System
10. The high
protein content in leaves of plants will
have supplementary effect for the daily protein requirement of the body.
Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
anitadane@gmail.com
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