Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is one of the best vegetables that meet the needs of a healthy diet. This delicious and valuable vegetable is rich in biologically active compounds, present both in the pulp and in the peel and seeds, which gives it special dietary qualities. Pumpkin is considered, by some scientists, to be a food that meets all the requirements necessary for people to have a healthy diet. Cucurbita maxima can be consumed both fresh and in canned form, including soups, smoothies and juices and he is used in the food industry as a functional food, in bakery products, beverages, meat and dairy products. Pumpkin is considered a valuable food because its pulp contains a large amount of carotenoids, including β-carotene, lutein, potassium, vitamins C, B2 and E. The health benefits of the pumpkin consumption are: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-carcinogenic action, as well as anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive properties. Cucurbita maxima seeds represent an excellent economic source of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, but also other nutrients required in the human diet to maintain health. Pumpkin seeds are rich in macronutrients such as magnesium, phosphorus and calcium, and contain moderate amounts of micronutrients such as manganese, copper and zinc. Pumpkin is an important source of vitamin A and contains significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene and dietary fiber.

Cucurbita maxima, pumpkin pulp, pumpkin seed, nutritional value

biology

Presentation: poster