Introduction
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Autumn is the season for pumpkin harvest and the best time to taste pumpkin delicacies. Pumpkins are loved for their sweet taste and rich nutritional value. However, despite the benefits of pumpkin for the body, it may not be suitable for everyone. Doctors remind us that there are four types of people who should avoid pumpkin consumption.
So, who are these four types of people? What should they pay attention to when consuming pumpkins? This article will provide you with answers to these questions.
What are the nutritional benefits of pumpkin?
Vitamin A: Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health, boost immunity, and keep the skin healthy.
Fiber: Pumpkins are high in fiber, aiding in digestion and bowel movements. Additionally, they can help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Potassium: Pumpkins are rich in potassium, promoting heart health and helping maintain the body’s water balance.
Phosphorus: Pumpkins are phosphorus-rich, aiding in maintaining bone health and energy metabolism.
What are the benefits of consuming pumpkin regularly? 5 effects that you shouldn’t miss, do you know them?
1. Boosting Immunity
Pumpkins contain rich nutrients, and consuming them in moderation during daily activities can provide the body with comprehensive nutrients, enhance immunity, and resistance.
As the season transitions from autumn to winter, the unique climate conditions make people prone to weakened immunity. Therefore, it is recommended to consume pumpkins in moderation.
2. Reducing Swelling and Nourishing the Stomach
Pumpkins, being a high potassium and low sodium vegetable, contain a significant amount of potassium that can help alleviate fatigue, edema, and provide detoxifying, diuretic effects.
Pumpkin and millet congee have stomach-nourishing effects, easing digestive burdens. The pectin content can protect the gastric mucosa, promote ulcer healing, and aid digestion.
3. Controlling Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure
Pumpkin has the effect of lowering blood sugar and blood pressure. It is rich in cobalt elements that promote metabolism, enhance hematopoiesis, participate in vitamin B synthesis, and are crucial for islet cells. Therefore, individuals with these conditions can consume pumpkin moderately to maintain their health.
4. Preventing Night Blindness
The vibrant yellow-orange color of pumpkin flesh is due to the abundance of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is known to benefit the eyes as it converts to vitamin A in the body, preventing degeneration of the retinal functions and enhancing vision clarity.
Especially in autumn, consuming pumpkin can prevent night blindness, and for individuals with frequent eye use, eating pumpkin can alleviate eye fatigue.
5. Protecting the Heart
Pumpkins are rich in dietary fiber. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing dietary fiber intake can extend the lifespan of heart disease patients. For every 10g increase in daily dietary fiber intake, the risk of heart disease death decreases.
Regular pumpkin consumption can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and heart disease, as well as aid in weight loss and lower blood lipid levels.
At present, pumpkin is in season, doctors remind us: these 4 types of people should avoid it, are you one of them?
1. Hypertensive Patients
Pumpkins contain a certain amount of sodium, excessive consumption by individuals with hypertension may lead to sodium accumulation in the body, worsening hypertension symptoms.
Therefore, for hypertensive patients, it is best to consume pumpkins in moderation and control salt intake during consumption.
2. Diabetic Patients
Pumpkins are rich in sugars, and excessive intake can raise blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar is crucial for diabetic patients. Therefore, diabetic patients should limit pumpkin consumption or reduce intake of other sugary foods after consuming pumpkin.
3. Individuals with Damp-Heat Constitution
Individuals with a damp-heat constitution usually have excess dampness in the body and are prone to internal heat. Despite being rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, pumpkins are warm in nature, and excessive consumption may worsen damp-heat symptoms such as dry mouth, bitterness in the mouth, yellow urine, and constipation.
In addition, pumpkins have a high starch content, and excessive intake can add physical burden, which is not conducive to balancing the damp-heat constitution.
Therefore, individuals with a damp-heat constitution are advised to reduce pumpkin consumption, especially those with prominent symptoms or undergoing treatment. For dietary choices, foods with heat-clearing and dampness-dissipating effects such as mung beans, winter melon, and coix seed can be beneficial in alleviating damp-heat symptoms and promoting overall health.
4. People with Jaundice
Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, excessive consumption can lead to beta-carotene accumulation in the body, causing the skin to turn lemon yellow, a condition known as carotenemia. Therefore, individuals with jaundice are not advised to eat pumpkins.
3 Foods that are Contradictory with Pumpkins, Avoid Eating Together, Don’t Ignore the Advice!
1. Crab
Simultaneous consumption of pumpkin and crab can lead to a precipitation reaction between the tannic acid in pumpkins and the protein in crabs, potentially causing diarrhea, and in severe cases, food poisoning. For women during menstruation or pregnancy, simultaneous consumption should be avoided to prevent menstrual pain, uterine coldness, and other issues.
2. Spinach
Spinach contains abundant oxalic acid, while pumpkins contain a lot of dietary fiber and carbohydrates. Oxalic acid affects the digestion of dietary fiber in the gastrointestinal tract, hindering the absorption of pumpkins in the digestive system, reducing the nutritional value of both foods when consumed together.
3. Cucumber
Cucumbers contain an enzyme called ascorbic acid decomposing enzyme, which can break down vitamin C in pumpkins, reducing the nutritional value of pumpkins. Furthermore, pumpkins contain a substance called pumpkin saponin, which can decrease the nutritional value of cucumbers. When consuming cucumbers and pumpkins together, it is advisable to avoid simultaneous consumption to prevent the loss of nutrients in the food.
Additionally, during the cooking process, attention should be paid to food combinations. For example, when making pumpkin soup and wanting to add some cucumbers to enhance the texture, it is recommended to blanch the cucumbers before boiling the soup to inactivate the enzyme that decomposes vitamin C.
As a nutritious and uniquely flavored ingredient, pumpkin holds a significant place in our diets. However, like any other food, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Understanding your body’s needs and reactions to food is crucial for making healthy dietary choices. Through scientific meal planning and continuous attention to personal health, we can better enjoy the taste and nutrition that pumpkins bring while avoiding potential health risks. It is hoped that this article will help everyone make wiser ingredient choices and embark on a path towards healthier eating.
