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Pumpkin d’anta: properties and benefits of your tea

by Dianna Leon
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Pumpkin d'anta

Have you ever heard of pumpkin d’anta? The vine is considered a weed by many, but it has many health benefits. Among them, we can mention the decrease in glucose and bad cholesterol in the blood.

In addition, the infusion prepared with the herb leaves is widely used to treat problems such as intestinal parasites and infections caused by the action of viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

It is also considered a natural hypotensive, but it has many other benefits for the body.

Want to know more? Keep reading this article because the Benefits Tea will show eight health advantages of consuming the d’anta pumpkin, preparing the tea, and the care and contraindications of the herb. Check out!

Medicinal properties of anta pumpkin

The squash d’anta or melon-de-são-Caetano, as the herb is known in some regions, has antioxidant (1), analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. (two)

These medicinal properties found in the plant’s leaves are derived from the phytochemicals found in the herb.

Among the main components, it is possible to mention flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds, and steroids, also called triterpenes. (3)

In addition to these properties already mentioned, the tea prepared with d’anta pumpkin leaves brings several health benefits. Below you will discover some of them. Check out!

treat infections

Due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, the tea made with the leaves of the pumpkin d’anta is a powerful agent in treating various types of infectionsespecially skin infections.

As is the case of psoriasis, a disease that causes itching and redness and has among its various causes infections resulting from the action of fungi or bacteria. (two)

This is because the herb is rich in substances that inhibit the proliferation of these microorganisms. By ending their life cycle, the infection can be controlled more quickly. (2, 4)

lower blood pressure

Pumpkin d’anta tea can also be a natural way to lower blood pressure. This is because the herb has substances that can improve blood circulation throughout the body. (two)

However, the infusion should only be used as a complementary treatment and always with medical authorization, especially for those who already suffer from hypertension.

It is a natural reducer of bad cholesterol.

Another benefit of the infusion is in reducing bad cholesterol, known as LDL. This benefit is also derived from the phytochemical compounds found in the herb leaves, especially those with an antioxidant function.

What happens is that these compounds prevent the oxidation of lipids (fats), a process that causes various harm to the body. In addition, it favors their elimination through the faces. (two)

Blood glucose decreases

Diabetic people can also benefit from the use of this herb, as it is hypoglycemic. This means that it helps to reduce the level of glucose (sucking) that circulates in the bloodstream.

This benefit is only possible because the plant increases the use of glucose by the muscles. In practice, this causes the body to use up the sugar circulating in the blood, reducing the damage caused by excess sugar. (two)

In addition, the phytochemical compounds in pumpkin can inhibit the production of enzymes that transform carbohydrates into glucose. At the same time, it stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas. (5)

Helps in the treatment of intestinal parasites

Traditionally, tea made from the leaves of Caetano melon is used as a natural anthelmintic. This means that the infusion can treat infections caused by intestinal parasites.

In some cases, it may be more effective than synthetic drugs. Also, it can be used to treat diseases in animals. (two)

Strengthens the immune system

Pumpkin d’anta tea also has the ability to strengthen the immune system due to the joint action of several of its phytochemicals.

In the organism, they stimulate the production of new defense cells, mainly macrophages, which can engulf intrusive substances in the organism. (two)

In addition to macrophages, the melon-de-caetane also stimulates the production of immunoglobulin, a type of antibody, and natural killer cells. (6)

Reduces the risk of developing cancer

The pumpkin d’anta can reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer due to a set of factors. The first is the antioxidant capacity, which works by preventing cell mutation. (2, 5)

The second is natural killer (NK) cells, which act directly in the fight against cancer.

These cells can identify the points where tumors are forming and eliminate them early on. Thus, the disease cannot develop. (6)

Therefore, it is also important to highlight that cancer is a name that encompasses more than 100 types of diseases. But all of them have in common that the cells grow in a disorderly way.

According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), this characteristic means that the disease does not have a single cause.

Therefore, they may have genetic or habit origins. Therefore, prevention must always rely on healthier food and lifestyle habits. (7)

Aids in weight loss

Finally, herb tea aids in weight loss by changing the way the body uses glucose and lipids.

As already mentioned, d’anta pumpkin intensifies the use of sugar by the muscles and favors the disposal of fat.

In practice, this causes the body to burn even more calories throughout the day. At the same time, it reduces the absorption of these substances by the body, which results in healthy weight loss. (8)

How to prepare the infusion?

The ingredient used in the tea is the d’anta pumpkin leaf itself, and the way of preparation is straightforward. Check-out!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of pumpkin d’anta leaves
  • 1 liter of filtered water.

Preparation method:

Heat the water until it starts to bubble. When this happens, add the leaves of the caetano melon, which should be well washed. Let it cook for another 5 minutes.

After this time, turn off the heat and cover the pan, leaving the tea to steep for another 10 minutes. Finally, strain and drink the tea at most three times a day and without any sweetening.

Where to find the pumpkin d’anta?

The d’anta pumpkin can be found easily throughout Brazil. As it is considered a weed, it is quite common to find it growing in vacant lots, where it grows on walls and fences.

However, the plant is also sold in open markets and stores specializing in herbal products.

Consumption care and contraindications

Like any other herb, it is important to take precautions with the consumption of pumpkin d’anta, especially in the amount ingested daily and in the form of consumption.

For example, above three doses a day, the herb can cause hormonal, gastrointestinal, hematological, and liver problems. (5)

In addition, the herb is known for its abortive and teratogenic effects. Therefore, pregnant women should not consume the tea under any circumstances, with the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or fetal malformation. (two)

When used in conjunction with drugs to control glucose and cholesterol, the plant can enhance its effects. Therefore, it should only be used under prescription and medical supervision. (8)

Finally, the plant’s fruits have toxic substances that can cause hypoglycemic coma, which occurs when blood glucose levels are too low.

In addition, seizures, headaches, and even infertility can be side effects of pumpkin d’anta fruits in sensitive people. So, if you are going to consume, do it carefully and without excesses. (two)

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