Pumpkin leaf helps in digestion, prevents infections, helps in treating anemia, prevents cancer and helps in dealing with PMS. It contains a lot of proteins and is also helpful for lactating mothers.

Women as caretakers for their families and multi-taskers, have to multitask and juggle between different kinds of duties in all spheres of their lives. Be it at the workplace, at home and elsewhere, they have to multitask. Not only do they have the pressure of performing all these tasks together, they also have the pressure to perfect at each and every single thing because of the unjustified societal expectations. In this regard, the one thing that most of the women tend to neglect the most is their own health. After taking care of everyone, they are too drained out to take care of themselves. What they don’t realize is that it is equally, and certainly more important to take care of themselves, because only then will they be able to take care of others.

Read more: Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Babies

In this article, we will talk about the health benefits of a relatively underused food item which is very helpful for women. And that is pumpkin leaves. Pumpkin is consumed by many people in different forms, but what most people do not know is that pumpkin leaves are laden with a load of nutrients and other health benefits. We will talk about how these leaves are beneficial for women.

Pumpkin Leaf for Women: 7 Health Benefits

Completes Your Daily Protein Intake:

Pumpkin leaves are known to contain a lot of protein. So it can be a healthy source of protein. Women need a lot of protein for muscle repairing and the maintenance of the organs. In particular, pregnant women need a lot of protein for both their baby and for themselves.

Read more: 11 Must-Have Protein Rich Foods 

Helps In Digestion:

Pumpkin leaves are high in fiber content, so they help in digestion by preventing constipation and making the passing of stools easy. This also helps in detoxification of the body.

Read more: Remedies for Constipation During Pregnancy

Prevents Infections:

Due to the presence of anti-bacterial properties in these leaves, they can help you is saving yourself from all kinds of bacterial infections, thus boosting your immunity.

Read more: 11 Common Infections During Pregnancy

Helps In Treating Anaemia:

Anaemia is a medical condition, in which our body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells, thus causing lack of blood. Women are more prone to anemia then men, because of the monthly loss of blood during their monthly cycles. Also, pregnant women are at a higher risk of anemia compared to other women, because they suffer from iron deficiency since they need nutrients for both the baby and for themselves. In this regard, pumpkin leaves can prove to be beneficial because of its high iron content. It leads to increase in oxygen in blood and lungs, thereby increasing the hemoglobin level. It also contains folate, which helps in producing red blood cells.

Read more: Anemia Symptoms in Pregnancy

Useful For Lactating Mothers:

Pumpkin leaves are a rich source of calcium. So they are absolutely essential for lactating mothers who need more calcium than other people. The calcium is essential for the baby’s nourishment as well as for the mother’s bones which need to be maintained too.

Read more: 7 Juices to Increase Lactation

Prevents Cancer:

Various studies have shown that there is a direct relation between the intake of fiber and the risk of cancer. This is because the foods containing high amount of fiber are also rich in vitamins and minerals, all of which are required for preventing cancer. So, people who have or are more prone to cancer than others, due to genetic or other physical factors are advised to include pumpkin leaves in their daily diet. It can be added in the form of soups or salads.

Read more: 21 Tips to Prevent Breast Cancer

Helps In Dealing With PMS:

PMS, or Pre-Menstrual-Syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur in women between ovulation and getting the period. These include drastic mood swings, irritability, chronic pain, cramps and bloating. The level of PMS varies from one woman to another one. Manganese found in pumpkin leaf can be used to reduce these monthly situations. Women who suffer from severe PMS symptoms are advised to consume manganese supplements as well as manganese rich foods. Pumpkin leaf is a good source for manganese.

Read more: 13 Remedies for Curing Menstrual Disorders in Women

Besides these benefits, pumpkin leaves are also known for working wonders on the skin. Due to the presence of vitamin C and other minerals, which fight against ageing and make your skin look healthy and youthful. Therefore, it is of no doubt that you should start consuming pumpkin leaves right away!

Pumpkin leaves can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can include them in salads, soups or as a substitute for spinach of other leaves, in order to experiment with something new in your diet. You can also include it in curries or other main course dishes. In any way, they are good for your health.