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10 Amazing Health Benefits of Pumpkin Leaves | Be Bodywise

Adrija Chakraborty -
Table of Contents +

Almost every part of the pumpkin plant, including fruit, seeds, leaves, and stems, are edible, providing different health benefits. People popularly use the delicate pumpkin leaves with other green leafy vegetables in tangy chutneys or as a main course savoury dish.

Appearance of Pumpkin Leaves

The pumpkin plant leaves have large, round and deep lobes with an alternate arrangement. Generally, more than three veins originate from the same point. The leaves can be yellowish, light green, or greyish-green, depending on the variety of the pumpkin.

They are characterised by serrated edges that contain fine and glass-like prickles. The pattern of prickling edges also depends on the pumpkin's variety. Many types have spotted or mottled patterns on leaves.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Leaves

This tropical vegetable has a rich nutrient profile. Here is the nutritional value of one cup (39 g) of pumpkin leaves:

  • Total calories: 7 Kcal

Nutrients

Amount

Daily value (in %)

Carbohydrate

0.91 g

0.70

Protein

1.23 g

2.46

Total fat

0.16 g

0.46

Calcium

15 mg

1.50

Zinc

0.08 mg

0.73

Manganese

0.138 mg

6.0

Phosphorous

41 mg

5.86

Iron

0.87 mg

10.88

Vitamin B6

0.081 mg

6.23

Vitamin B3

0.359 mg

2.24

Vitamin C

Vitamin A

4.3 mg

3.8 mg

4.78

4


Medicinal Value Of Pumpkin Leaves

Consuming warm liquid (prepared from boiling leaves in water) helps reduce fever and treat intestinal parasites. Moreover, applying the mixture of coconut oil, honey, and pumpkin leaf paste helps treat skin conditions like acne.

Pumpkin Leaves Benefits

1. Promotes Heart Health

The pumpkin leaves are rich in soluble fibre that helps reduce cholesterol absorption. Low cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disorder. Moreover, potassium content helps prevent irregular heartbeat.

2. Lowers the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Vitamin B6 content in the pumpkin plant leaves helps curb pain in muscles and joints caused due to arthritis.

3. Help Alleviate Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Manganese in the pumpkin leaves help manage and reduce the situations of headache, mood swings, irritability, and depression.

4. Helps Retain Dental Health

Phosphorus is vital for bone and gum health. The pumpkin leaves contain Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, vital for maintaining gum and teeth health. These nutrients support jaw bone mineral density and tooth enamel that helps hold the tooth in place.

5. Help Strengthen Bones

The leaves have a high amount of calcium and phosphorus, essential for the bones. Consuming it regularly also helps avoid bone and stiff joint pain.

6. Help Fight Colon Cancer

The pumpkin leaves help in treating colon cancer. But how? It contains soluble and insoluble fibre that eases bowel movement. Smooth bowel movement ensures a healthy intestine, preventing cancerous tumour growth in the colon.

7. Supports the Immune System

The pumpkin leaves have abundant iron that plays an essential role in strengthening the body's immune system. A strong immune system enables the body to fight against several disorders and infections. Moreover, iron helps heal the red blood cells, allowing better oxygen flow in cells, tissues, and organs.

8. Provides Supple and Soft Skin

One cup or 39 g of pumpkin leaf contains Vitamin A, helping fulfil approx 4% of the Daily Value. It helps keep away the free radicals and toxins that often damage the skin. Moreover, the high water content in the leaves helps retain moisture, providing soft and supple skin. Moisture retention also helps prevent some skin conditions like psoriasis.

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9. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Pumpkin contains essential antioxidants, like beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. It helps protect against the damage caused due to free radicals. Studies show that It plays a vital role in preventing chronic heart and cancer diseases.

10. Help Promote Weight Loss

Pumpkin leaf is a nutrient-dense food. It means it has low calories but high nutrients. The lower calories make it an ideal weight-loss food. Moreover, fibre content helps keep you satiated for a long time.

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Pumpkin Leaves in Pregnancy

The pumpkin leaf is high in fibre, helping slow down digestion and ensuring easy bowel movement during pregnancy. It even contains folate that plays a vital role in the neural development of the fetus. Moreover, protein helps repair muscles and ensures smooth functioning of the organs, which is essential for both mother and the fetus.

Can You Eat Pumpkin Leaves?

Yes, one can consume pumpkin leaves as it is a palatable food. It contains rich nutrients, helping contribute to longevity and quality of life. Moreover, the medicinal value of pumpkin leaves benefits the eye and skin and enhances fertility.

Pumpkin Leaves Recipe

Put a bunch of finely chopped pumpkin leaves, one medium-sized and finely chopped onion, two tomatoes, and water in a pan. Cover and cook the mixture until the water reduces to half. Add a teaspoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of peanut powder and simmer for 10 minutes. Garnish with your favourite seasoning and serve hot.

Taste of Pumpkin Leaves

The tender pumpkin leaves have a mixed flavour of broccoli, spinach, and green beans when cooked together. It is far sweeter and a bit bitter. However, the mature leaves have a mildly bitter flavour. Moreover, this bitterness and leafy flavour vanish when cooked. It, then, tastes like spinach or turnip greens.

How To Clean Pumpkin Leaves

One can thoroughly wash the leaves while placing them under the running water. It helps get rid of soil and pests present over the leaf.

Summing Up on Pumpkin Leaves

The high nutrient profile of pumpkin leaves, and enormous health benefits make it an ideal food option to include in your diet. Blend it into salads, soups, chutneys, or savoury dishes to enhance the food texture.

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