Fluted Pumpkin and Its Seed: What a Golden Plant

Fluted pumpkin also known as (teltaria occidentalis) is one  of the most popular vegetables in nigeria, its is locally known by the name ‘UGWU’. The reason for the popularity and acceptance of th vegetable is that its seeds, shoots and stems are sought after items of diet and highly nutritious. consumers of the leaf have grown tremendiously over the years, owing to the claim that  the leaf is a blood-boosting vegetable and a delicacy in the preparation of local nigerian soups. This has translated into an income earner for many subsistence farmers.

Beyond the leaves lies the giant pod with scores of seeds that have prooved to be rich source of several nutrients required by the body. It is a sweet, nutty, flat, creamy-coloured seed with a chewy texture. At the tender stage the seed can be broken open to clean the seed before boiling in water until cooked. Another option is to roast the seed that produces a pleasant flavour.

The use of pumpkin seeds has increased since it has been found effective in treating postrate enlargement in men. The fact that pumpkin seeds serves as good source of zinc makes them well suited for this role as a prostrate protector, since zinc is a mineral used by health workers to reduce postrate size. The healing properties of pumpkin seeds have also been recently investigated in  respect to arthritis. Studies have shown that the addition of pumpkin seeds to diet compares favourably with conventional drugs in reducing inflamatory symptons.  Aside enhancing postrate health,  another reason for older men to make zinc rich foods such as pumpkin seeds a regular part of their diet is maintaining bone mineral density.