Pumpkin leaves - fertility food series
***The pumpkin creeper running around in the compounds is a common sight ( well at least for those who gets to see some greenery ).Often, this humble neglected plant sprouts from the seeds of kitchen waste .
We are all aware that pumpkins and even their seeds have nutritional properties, but you will be surprised to know that the leaves, tender shoots and stems have medicinal properties and can be used to make delicious preparations.These can be stir fried just like cabbage or carrots and if you like the taste, add some coconut, the result is amazing.
So maybe next time, you can try your hand at cooking with some fresh pumpkin leaves and stems, which is a good replacement for cabbage or cauliflower (It’s hard to believe, how much insecticides they contain) .
Few months back when I visited Nepal, apart from the serene beauty something else caught my attention.When we were staying in the tribal village of Sirubari, they used to make a preparation of pumpkin leaves which was delicious .It might even have aphrodisiac properties, we should do some pioneering research that nobody has done so far.
It seems to have benefits in improving the sperm production.Some of the other known health benefits of pumpkin leaves are:
1.Prevention of convulsion: The young leaves sliced and mixed with coconut water and salt are stored in a bottle and used for the treatment of convulsion in ethno medicine.
2 Lowers cholesterol: These leaves have hypolipdemic effect and may be a useful therapy in hypercholestolemia.
3 Boost fertility: A particular study showed that pumpkin has the potential to regenerate testicular damage and also increase spermatogenesis.
4.It has liver protecting effects.
5.It has antibacterial effects
6 .The leaves are rich in iron and play a key role in curing of anemia.
7.The leaves are also noted for their lactating properties and are in high demand for nursing mothers.
8.It has an hypoglycaemic (sugar reducing) effect and hence is good for diabetic patients.
9.It Increases Blood Volume and Boost Immune System
10.The high protein content in leaves of plants will have supplementary effect for the daily protein requirement of the body.
Dr.Anita Mani
Infertility& Surrogacy Specialist at Gift IVF Centre
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