Health benefits of squash flowers

Pumpkin flowers have the scientific name Cucurbita pepo, family Cucurbitaceae. Scientists have noted that pumpkin flowers have many nutrients that are beneficial to health such as low in saturated fat, no cholesterol, and low in sodium.

Pumpkin flowers are rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus..., vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin A.

Dr. Huynh Tan Vu - University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, branch 3, said that according to modern medicine, 100 grams of pumpkin flowers contain half of the amount of vitamin C and about 40% of the daily vitamin requirement, 5% of the iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium consumption, many B vitamins and folate.

These are very good substances for pregnant women and help the fetus develop a good nervous system.

According to Dr. Vu, the yellow color of squash flowers contains beta-carotene, a cell antioxidant. Squash flowers also contain polyphenol compounds that help prevent cardiovascular disease and blood pressure. At the same time, it also helps prevent osteoporosis thanks to its high mineral content such as calcium and magnesium.

In addition, it also helps protect and enhance eyesight, preventing macular degeneration in the elderly.

In Oriental medicine, squash flowers are a medicinal herb with a cool, sweet taste, the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the body, and laxative properties. It is also an aphrodisiac. When squash flowers are combined with clams, oysters, snails, and mussels, it has the ability to enhance yang.

Stir-fried pumpkin flowers with pork liver is a remedy that nourishes the liver and brightens the eyes, suitable for night blindness, impaired vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness...

However, experts also note that pumpkin is cold in nature, so people with cold hands and feet or indigestion should not use it./.