Pumpkin: Food and Medicine| Sudanow Magazine

PortSudan (Sudanow)- Pumpkins have been a well-known vegetable in Sudan since ancient times, where they were found in drawings on the walls of temples in Sudanese civilization, in the form of cooked staple meals and pots (gourd) for storing water and other liquids after drying its outer shell and decorating it with engravings. In Islamic civilization, pumpkin appeared as a symbol of blessing and simplicity, and in prophetic medicine, it was known for its effectiveness in preventing and treating a number of diseases. It is mentioned in the Holy Quran as the reason for the protection and preservation of the Prophet Jonah, peace be upon him, after he came out of the belly of the whale. The gourd was also the favorite food of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in the Prophetic Biography, where it is known as "daba."

About the types of Pumpkins and where they are available in Sudan Their nutritional and therapeutic importance Sudanow met with Dr. Mohamed Osman Misra, consultant in community medicine and public health, expert in alternative medicine, and head of the committee for the establishment of alternative medicine schools at the Ministry of Health, who said: Sudanese pumpkins are considered among the best types of pumpkins in terms of size and sweet taste. The most famous areas for growing them are the Mafaza and Hawata regions on the banks of the Rahad River in Gedaref State, as well as in the states of Al-Azraq, Sennar, and Kordofan. All states in Sudan are characterized by its cultivation throughout the year, especially in the Nile River regions and the northern states.

Pumpkins come in many varieties, differing in shape, color, type, size, and thickness of skin. They are classified according to season (summer pumpkins such as zucchini) and winter pumpkins such as pumpkin and butternut groud, each with its own characteristics depending on its use. Pumpkins are considered one of the most distinctive vegetables because they can be consumed in their entirety in many ways, and all their components have their own uses. For example, their leaves are used to provide shade from the sun in some places, especially in the summer, because of their large size and ability to absorb the sun's rays. Dr. Muhammad Othman says that summer pumpkins has a thin skin, which makes it suitable for use in salads and light dishes. Pumpkin cooked with meat, onions, and sauce is considered one of the most delicious dishes on the Sudanese table and is loved by the majority, especially in the popular dish known as "kisra," which is made from sorghum.

As for the nutritional and therapeutic value of pumpkin, Dr. Maysara says that all parts of the pumpkin are useful, (the rind, pulp, seeds, and leaves) can be used as a juice, in soups and salads, and as a dried powder. Some types of climbing pumpkin that grow to a length of more than 7 meters are considered a type of climbing tree mentioned in the Qur'an (And We caused a tree of pumpkin to grow over him). It also repels insects such as flies and mosquitoes, and is used in some rural areas to repel insects by placing it in slices or placing its green leaves on the head of a newborn baby to prevent insect bites.

It plays a major role in alternative or complementary medicine, through therapeutic nutrition in (preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative medicine). It contains powerful antioxidants that help protect against cancer and strengthen the immune system, especially for those suffering from Autoimmune diseases for examples include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and autism.

. When pumpkin seeds are consumed regularly in specific amounts, they help strengthen and protect eyesight due to their high carotene and vitamin A content. They also significantly reduce prostate enlargement in older men and prevent urinary tract infections.

Due to its diuretic properties and its ability to expel toxins from the body, it is very useful in treating heart, bladder, and kidney diseases. In cases of arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure, it is used to remove excess cholesterol thanks to its beneficial properties. It is also widely used to treat skin diseases through certain ointments that are prepared by herbalists in rural areas.

Pumpkin plays a big role in relieving nausea in pregnant women in the early stages of pregnancy. Because it contains pectin, pumpkin helps relieve those suffering from inflammation of the large intestine, and it is especially helpful for those suffering from anemia and anemia because it contains potassium, iron, and vitamin C. In addition, it helps patients suffering from hypothyroidism. As for the digestive system, it is a powerful vermifuge when the seeds are crushed after peeling. It is also very important for the elderly and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and neurological diseases, as it contains high levels of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and tryptophan. Pumpkin seeds also help reduce or limit the growth of gray hair.

At the end of his interview with Sudanow, Dr. Misra recommends his treatment, which should be taken continuously in the form of juice or soup, with the seeds being used continuously for adults. It is also used in the rehabilitation and re-rehabilitation of children (Down syndrome) and autism spectrum disorders after drying and crushing pumpkin seeds, as a supplement to the child's diet after ensuring that there is no sensitivity to the seeds and that it contains zinc, magnesium, and some antioxidants and omega-3, which help protect nerve cells. In addition, it contains tryptophan, which helps in the production of serotonin to add joy and happiness to the child while helping with sleep and behavior.

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