As pumpkin season rolls around, most people think of them for decorations or holiday pies. But did you know pumpkins are packed with essential vitamins that support cancer prevention? Even their seeds have long been used in traditional medicine, serving as natural dewormers and offering a variety of health benefits.
Pumpkin Seeds: Nature’s Natural Dewormer and Cancer Fighter
The next time you buy a pumpkin and scoop out the seeds – don’t throw them away! Pumpkin seeds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine across various cultures as a natural remedy to expel intestinal parasites. Their deworming properties are largely due to the compound cucurbitacin, which paralyzes parasites and aids in their elimination.
Pumpkin and Cancer Prevention
Pumpkins are packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect cells from oxidative stress and lower the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that diets rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, may reduce the risk of cancers such as breast, lung, and colon cancer.
According to a German study, “High and low consumption of soybeans as well as of sunflower and pumpkin seeds were associated with significantly reduced breast cancer risk compared to no consumption.”
Nutritional Highlights of Pumpkin:
- Beta-Carotene: Converts into vitamin A in the body, supporting immune health and protecting cells from damage.
- Fiber: Aids in digestion, helps control blood sugar levels, and supports colon health.
- Vitamin C: Strengthens the immune system and supports tissue repair.
Nutritional Highlights of Pumpkin Seeds:
- Zinc: Supports a healthy immune system and promotes cellular repair.
- Magnesium: Helps regulate blood sugar and may reduce the risk of developing cancer.
- Healthy Fats: Pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for reducing inflammation in the body.
In my article, Natural Remedies for An Enlarged Prostate*, I mentioned that research published in Frontiers in Oncology found that “a chronic zinc deficiency may increase the likelihood of BPH and prostate cancer in men over 50 years.” One source of this absolute essential is pumpkin seeds.
(*Check out that article for the #1 food that contains more zinc per serving than any other. Because your body doesn’t store zinc, you should eat enough every day to meet daily requirements)
Three Delicious Pumpkin Recipes for Cancer Prevention
Spiced Pumpkin Soup
This warming soup is not only comforting but also packed with cancer-fighting ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 cups pumpkin purée (fresh or canned)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp turmeric (anti-inflammatory)
1 tsp ginger (antioxidant-rich)
1 tsp cumin
1 cup coconut milk (rich in healthy fats)
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté onion and garlic in a bit of olive oil until softened.
2. Add the pumpkin purée, spices, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the coconut milk, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with pumpkin seeds.
Image by -Rita-👩🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay
Pumpkin Seed Pesto
A unique twist on classic pesto, this spread is perfect for boosting your intake of cancer-fighting nutrients.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (for their deworming properties)
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (rich in healthy fats)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Toast the pumpkin seeds lightly in a dry pan until fragrant.
2. In a food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. Use this pesto on whole-grain pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
Pumpkin and Turmeric Smoothie
Start your day with a cancer-preventive boost in this golden-hued smoothie.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pumpkin purée
1/2 banana (optional for natural sweetness)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
1 tbsp chia seeds (for fiber and omega-3s)
Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Serve chilled and sprinkle extra cinnamon or chia seeds on top for an added health boost.
The Bottom Line
Pumpkins and their seeds boast many health advantages, including potential cancer-fighting properties. If you want to reduce your cancer risk or simply enjoy a nutritious meal, adding these tasty recipes into your diet could be the first step toward doing just that. In addition, with their natural deworming abilities, pumpkin seeds are an invaluable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
>Get your FREE Guide, The 10 Things I Do Every Day to Stay Cancer Free
Resources:
Kadir NHA, Murugan N, Khan AA, Sandrasegaran A, Khan AU, Alam M. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and molecular docking of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from pumpkin seeds. Microsc Res Tech. 2024 Mar;87(3):602-615. doi: 10.1002/jemt.24437. Epub 2023 Nov 28. PMID: 38018343.
Zaineddin AK, Buck K, Vrieling A, Heinz J, Flesch-Janys D, Linseisen J, Chang-Claude J. The association between dietary lignans, phytoestrogen-rich foods, and fiber intake and postmenopausal breast cancer risk: a German case-control study. Nutr Cancer. 2012;64(5):652-65. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2012.683227. Epub 2012 May 16. PMID: 22591208.
Saleh AS, El-Newary SA, Mohamed WA, Elgamal AM, Farah MA. Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo subsp. ovifera) decoction promotes Trichinella spiralis expulsion during intestinal phase via “Weep and Sweep” mechanism. Sci Rep. 2024 Jan 18;14(1):1548. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-51616-4. PMID: 38233460; PMCID: PMC10794180.
Yan Z, Wang D, Cai J, Shen L, Jiang M, Liu X, Huang J, Zhang Y, Luo E, Jing D. High-specificity protection against radiation-induced bone loss by a pulsed electromagnetic field. Sci Adv. 2022 Aug 26;8(34):eabq0222. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abq0222. Epub 2022 Aug 24. PMID: 36001662; PMCID: PMC9401628.
* * * * *
Eat Healthy, Wherever You Are!
Visit the Templeton List