Pumpkin seeds for type 2 diabetes: benefits and harms

Pumpkin seeds for type 2 diabetes are not only an excellent flavoring agent, but also a source of important nutrients. They strengthen and heal the patient's body, help to avoid many health complications associated with this disease.

Glycemic index of pumpkin seeds

With type 2 diabetes, patients have to selectively approach food. First, the diet should be low in calories. Diabetes mellitus type 2 in most cases is accompanied by obesity, which significantly worsens the patient's condition and significantly reduces his chances of recovery.

Calorie content, kcal

540

Proteins, g

25,0

Fat, g

of which polyunsaturated, g

46,0

19,0

Carbohydrates, g

14,0

Water, g

7,0

Dietary fiber, g

4,0

Mono- and disaccharides, g

1,0

Saturated fatty acids, g

8,7

Glycemic index, units

25

In addition, when choosing food, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are guided by such an indicator as GI (glycemic index). The lower this indicator, the less the product affects the blood sugar level, that is, the safer for the patient. Therefore, the menu of patients with type 2 diabetes should be predominantly low and medium GI foods.

Can you eat pumpkin seeds for type 2 diabetes?

Diet plays an important role in the life and health of a diabetic. In the initial phases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, only the correct selection of food can bring your condition back to normal. The basic principle of the diabetic diet is to cut the amount of carbohydrates in the daily menu as much as possible. It is this substance that, as a result of a number of chemical reactions in the body, turns into glucose, puts a load on the pancreas and causes jumps in blood sugar.

As you can see from the table, the glycemic index of pumpkin seeds is only 25 units. This means that the composition of pumpkin seeds contains complex carbohydrates that are absorbed for a long time and do not give sharp and sudden changes in glucose levels. In addition, they contain a significant amount of fiber, which further slows down the absorption of sugars. Although in limited quantities, pumpkin seeds can be eaten with diabetes, although they are high in fat and calories.

What are the benefits of pumpkin seeds for diabetes

The set of biologically active substances contained in pumpkin seeds significantly facilitates the condition of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Chemical composition:

  • vitamins (B1, B4, B5, B9, E, PP);
  • trace elements (K, Mg, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, Se, Zn);
  • essential amino acids (arginine, valine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, others);
  • omega-3 and -6 acids;
  • phytosterols;
  • flavonoids.

As you know, type 2 diabetes mellitus is terrible, mainly due to its complications. First of all, the cardiovascular system suffers. By eating pumpkin seeds, you can avoid this. Magnesium helps the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, prevents stroke and heart attack, and protects against the development of atherosclerosis.

Zinc has healing properties, maintains hormonal balance, and strengthens the immune system.This is very important for patients with type 2 diabetes, who become very vulnerable to infections, viruses. In addition, the disease can cause serious complications in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, visual organs, as well as the condition of the skin, teeth and gums. By increasing the body's defenses, all this can be avoided with type 2 diabetes.

Pumpkin seeds contain no less phosphorus than any of the fish varieties. This element contributes to the functioning of the kidneys, with its help the absorption of most vitamins takes place, it participates in most chemical reactions in the body. Strengthens teeth, bones, influences muscle and mental activity.

Manganese creates an effective defense for the body, strengthening the immune system. Increases the rate of insulin and fat metabolism, controls the work of the entire gastrointestinal tract. Prevents the development of tumor processes, and also acts as an antioxidant, slowing down the aging of the body. improves the absorption of iron, B-group vitamins, especially B1.

Sprouted pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds in type 2 diabetes mellitus increase their biological activity during germination. As a result of this process, substances acquire a more easily digestible form:

  • proteins are converted to amino acids faster;
  • fats into fatty acids;
  • carbohydrates into simple sugars.

As a result of germination, the concentration of vitamins (10 times), micro- and macroelements increases. Frequent consumption of these seeds is of great importance for a person suffering from type 2 diabetes:

  • the deficit of elements important for life is replenished;
  • the state of the internal systems of the body improves (urogenital, digestive, nervous, biliary, cardiovascular, immune);
  • normalization of all types of metabolism;
  • improvement of hematopoiesis, insulin synthesis;
  • cleansing the body;
  • prevention of inflammatory, oncological, allergic diseases.

All these properties make it possible to use sprouted seeds also for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, both male and female, as well as liver pathologies, disorders in the digestive tract, heart disease, blood vessels, anemia, and acne.

The introduction of sprouted pumpkin seeds into nutrition is necessary for people suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, as well as those who regularly devote time to sports, experience emotional stress and stress.

Sprouted seeds are beneficial for gestational diabetes, strengthen the body, maintain normal blood sugar levels, and are also beneficial for all pregnant and lactating women. They heal the child's body, develop intelligence, memory, help to overcome the stresses associated with the educational process, have a positive effect on growth and puberty.

Admission rules

The recommended daily dose of pumpkin seeds for adults is 100 g, for children - 2 times less. It is advisable to divide the specified amount into several receptions, for example, eat a little before breakfast, lunch and dinner, half an hour or an hour before meals.

Pumpkin seeds for diabetes 2 are best consumed in a slightly dried form, without salt, in their raw form. Roasted salted seeds are often on sale. Such a product will not be useful even for healthy people, not to mention those with type 2 diabetes. It is advisable to purchase seeds in a shell that protects them from bacteria, pollution and fat oxidation, which begins under the influence of light and oxygen.

Application of germinated seeds

After germination, seeds are stored for no more than 2 days in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is advisable to use them immediately. The daily portion should be 50-100 g. This extremely healthy product should be consumed preferably in the morning, before breakfast or instead of it.

Sprouted seeds are good for use with many foods:

  • muesli;
  • honey;
  • nuts;
  • fruit;
  • vegetables.

Chopped seeds are good for adding to salads, cereals, soups, dairy products, baked goods.

Pumpkin Seed Recipes for Diabetics

Pumpkin seeds go well with many foods, enriching their flavor and nutritional content. By adding seeds to food, you can get a lasting therapeutic effect and forget about health problems for a long time.

Recipe 1

The easiest way to make something with pumpkin seeds is to make a smoothie. Cooking options can be very different. Here you can show all your imagination, taking into account the compatibility of products and their benefits or harms for diabetics. Here is some of them:

  • pumpkin seeds in powder (3-4 tsp) + honey (sweetener) + drinking water or milk (200 ml);
  • strawberries (glass) + seeds (2 tsp) + black salt (pinch);
  • seeds + oatmeal (soak) + milk + sweetener;
  • tomatoes + seeds + cottage cheese + spices.

Seeds can be added to almost any cocktail, making it more satisfying and healthier. Combine the ingredients of each recipe in a blender bowl, beat and the drink is ready.

Recipe 2

Pumpkin seeds are good for adding to various salads. You can add them whole, grind a little or even grind them into powder - in this form, they will resemble a seasoning.

Ingredients:

  • peas (green) - 0.4 kg;
  • mint (fresh) - 50 g;
  • dates - 5 pcs.;
  • lemon - 1 pc.;
  • salad (Roman) - 1 bunch;
  • seeds - 3 tbsp. l.

First you need to prepare the mint sauce. Put dates, lemon zest, mint leaves in a blender bowl, add the juice of half a citrus. Beat everything until liquid sour cream, adding a little water. Tear the salad and put on plates. Mix peas with seeds and season with sauce, put on green leaves.

Recipe 3

Another version of the salad using pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients:

  • beets (boiled) - 0.6 kg;
  • seeds - 50 g;
  • sour cream - 150 g;
  • horseradish - 2 tbsp. l .;
  • cinnamon (ground) - 1 tsp;
  • salt.

Cut the beets into cubes, mix with the seeds. Prepare a sauce with sour cream, cinnamon, salt and horseradish. Season the salad.

Recipe 4

You can cook buckwheat porridge with pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients:

  • groats (buckwheat) - 0.3 kg;
  • seeds - 4-5 tbsp. l .;
  • vegetable oil);
  • salt.

Pour the cereal with hot water (1: 2), salt. Bring to a boil and cook covered for ¼ hour. Add the seeds and cover to make the food "friends". Serve with oil.

Recipe 5

You can make a raw meal with pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients:

  • pumpkin seeds - 2 tbsp. l .;
  • flax seed - 2 tbsp. l .;
  • sunflower seeds - 1 tbsp. l .;
  • banana - 1 pc.;
  • dates - 3 pcs.;
  • raisins;
  • water;
  • coconut flakes.

Grind all the seeds in a coffee grinder, mix them together and leave for half an hour. Add banana to the ground mass and mash it with a fork. Add raisins with dates, mix everything. To make the dish more appetizing, sprinkle with coconut on top.

Limitations and contraindications

Despite the benefits of pumpkin seeds for type 2 diabetes, there are a number of limitations. They are not recommended for food for people who have ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, duodenum 12), as well as gastritis, colitis. The high calorie content of seeds makes them an undesirable product in the diet of overweight people.

Conclusion

Pumpkin seeds can be beneficial for diabetes if used in small amounts. They will saturate the body with nutrients, have a healing effect, rejuvenate and give health and vitality.

Give feedback

Garden

Flowers

Construction