| Pumpkin Flower Quick Facts |
| Name: |
Pumpkin Flower |
| Scientific Name: |
Cucurbita moschata Duchesne |
| Origin |
Mexico and Central America |
| Colors |
Bright yellow or orangey yellow |
| Shapes |
Pentamerous, axillary, solitary |
| Calories |
5 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients |
Vitamin C (10.22%)
Vitamin B9 (4.75%)
Vitamin A (4.57%)
Iron (2.88%)
Phosphorus (2.29%)
|
| Health benefits |
Bone Formation, Enhances Immunity, Treatment of the Common Cold, Male Infertility, Ensures Healthy Eyes |
Cucurbita moschata Duchesne commonly known as pumpkin is actually a monoecious, climbing vine which is found growing in hot and humid climates and well-drained soil which is rich in organic matters. It is a member of the Cucurbit family, which includes squash, cantaloupe, watermelon and cucumbers. Pumpkin plant nears both male and female flowers although male flowers appear first. Male flowers are borne straight off the vine while females have a small fruit swelling at the base near the stem. Normally pumpkin flowers are pentamerous, axillary, solitary, bright yellow or orangey yellow colored.
Nutritional Value
Apart from their wonderful taste pumpkin flower is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 33 gram of pumpkin flowers offers 9.2 mg of Vitamin C, 19 µg of Vitamin B9, 32 µg of Vitamin A,0.23 mg of Iron,16 mg of Phosphorus,0.025 mg of Vitamin B2, 8 mg of Magnesium,0.2 mg of Selenium and 0.228 mg of Vitamin B3.
Health benefits of Pumpkin flowers
Pumpkin flower is a bright yellow or orangey yellow colored flower of pumpkin plant which is loaded with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals which are essential for our body to remain healthy and happy. Like pumpkin, pumpkin flower is also equally nutritious and can be used in several foods around the world. Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of consuming pumpkin flowers on a regular basis:
1. Treatment of the Common Cold
Vitamin C present in pumpkin flowers help to enhance the immune system of our body, which protects us from colds and coughs. Pumpkin flowers consist of 9.2 mg of vitamin C which is 10.22% of the daily recommended value. Including it in your regular diet help to fulfill vitamin c requirement of the body. It accelerates the absorption of iron and therefore strengthens the body’s resistance to infection. It also fights against viruses.
2. Male Infertility
Pumpkin flower consists of huge amount of vitamin B9 (folate) that is essential for both sperm creation and proper functioning. Men with a low intake of folate have been shown to often have sperm with a defective chromosomal structure. Increasing dietary folate help to improve sperm quality and assist men with infertility problems trying to achieve a successful pregnancy with their partner.
3. Ensures Healthy Eyes
Vitamin A can aid in improving vision. It enables your eyes to adjust to light changes, keeps the eyes moist, and also improves night vision. Pumpkin flower is one of the good sources of vitamin A and regular consumption can prevent conditions like dry eyes as well. Apart from that it helps in the formation of visual purple in the eyes, which improve the vision of weak eyes. Similarly it ensures a healthy retina and also prevents night blindness by increasing the adaptability of the human eye to both bright light as well as darkness. Frequent consumption may cut down the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration, which is commonly associated with aging. It ensures healthy and beautiful eyes.
4. Enhances Immunity
Another wondrous health benefit of pumpkin flower is its capability to boost up immunity. According to Linus Pauling Institute, iron found in pumpkin flower is highly useful for a number of immune functions like differentiation and proliferation of T lymphocytes and the production of reactive oxygen species that fight pathogens. So consume pumpkin flower on a regular basis to boost your immunity.
5. Bone Formation
Phosphorus found sufficiently in pumpkin flower is a vital part of the growth process and the maintenance of bones and teeth. Pumpkin flowers along with calcium can make strong bones, which can endure the normal wear and tear of human life. Additionally it helps in boosting the health of your gums and tooth enamel. It also helps in relieving serious problems like bone loss or the loss of mineral density, also known as osteoporosis. This mineral lays the foundation of a strong skeletal structure to ensure health and functional living. One of the recent discoveries of phosphorous also link it to heart health, meaning that with a proper intake, you can better protect yourself from a range of cardiovascular diseases.
How to Eat
- Pumpkin Flowers are edible, they can be eaten raw in salads, cooked with other vegetables, steamed, etc.
- The Soup made from potatoes and squash blossoms is delicious.
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