The pumpkin belongs to the same family as cucumber, zucchini, melon, and watermelon; it is grown in areas with warm and humid climates, and there are two varieties:
- Summer pumpkins: high water content, thin skin, and shorter shelf life.
- Winter pumpkin: lower water content, thick skin, and can be stored for up to 6 months.
It has a high water content, a lot of fiber, and few calories and carbohydrates. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins A and C and also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6; minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, cobalt, boron, and zinc; and beta-carotenes, folates, and amino acids. Therefore, it has diuretic and cleansing properties; it helps prevent respiratory infections, strengthens the immune system, helps prevent cardiovascular and degenerative problems, promotes the nervous and muscular systems, aids in intestinal transit, and helps protect the stomach from gastritis, acidity, etc.
