Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a vegetable for cold weather. It satisfies that sweet craving, but is also surprisingly low in calories, and fat. It is a varied diet, with many beneficial properties.
Here are some Pumpkin Health Benefits:
-It is full of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body. They strengthen the immune system and repair damaged cells.
- A cup of cubed pumpkin, sprinkled with cinnamon is a delicious, healthy meal with less than 50 calories
-A rich source of vitamin C and potassium. This will lower blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.
-Pumpkin seeds can prevent prostate growth.
-The thighs are beautiful in your eyes. They help prevent cataract formation, and reduce muscle wasting.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
-A good source of iron, zinc, and fiber, which are all the common nutrients we lack in our diet.
-Pumpkin seeds are full of protein.
- Seeds contain magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc and phosphorus.
-P seed oil has a lot of benefits in itself! They contain essential oils (EFAs), which include plant-based acids, phytosterols, which lower cholesterol. EFAs contain vitamin E, which keeps healthy blood vessels, nerves, and tissues, such as the skin.
Pumpkin can be made into all kinds of dishes such as: stews, desserts, (but use sugar-free and low-fat ingredients!) Soups, breads, muffins, by themselves, or as a side dish. Eat raw pumpkin seeds to get the most health benefits, as roasting is believed to reduce nutrients.
Pick a pumpkin, and enjoy these nutritious, delicious vegetables.
The Benefits of Pumpkin
Most of us think of pumpkins as the cool orange orbs we collect every year during Halloween to decorate our balconies, but did you know that pumpkin is also the center of nutrition? While we may enjoy carving a horrible ugly face on them, the level at which most people eat pumpkin may be the famous Agog Pumpkin Pie. Ironically, pumpkin is one of the most nutritious fruits available. Yes, it is a fruit. A member of the gourd family, similar to squash, to say the least.
Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene. People with high levels of beta-carotene have a much lower risk of becoming a victim of many chronic diseases, including high cholesterol and diabetes. Pumpkin is very high in fiber, and contains many anti-inflammatory nutrients such as magnesium, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and potassium.
In addition to the nutrients mentioned above, probably the most important pumpkin contains carotenoids. Carotenoids are fat-soluble compounds found in red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables. These carotenoids are antioxidants that are important in helping to accelerate the aging process and protect the skin and eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Also included are their ability to prevent colon, skin and breast cancer.
Most of us are familiar with beta-carotene, but have probably never heard of alpha-carotene. High alpha-carotene is probably what makes a pumpkin a nutritious star. This is because alpha-carotenes have been shown to reduce the effects of aging throughout the body. Alpha-carotenes also help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration and heart disease.
Since pumpkin is so unfamiliar to most of us about eating it without the pie, how do we effectively add to our diet? First, you can add pumpkin to the soup soup as a base. One half cup given pumpkin adds 5 grams of fiber! You can bake it again, and then cube it to make an amazing addition to soups or casseroles. It has low calories and is very full.
The Benefits of Pumpkin
When cooking pumpkin, be sure not to throw away the seeds. Pumpkin seeds serve as an alternative to sunflower seeds and can be added to salads or enjoyed on their own. How do you prepare? After washing the seeds, grease them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast on a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes or more. Pack yourself with whatever else you like and keep healthy snacks high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. They are also high in zinc, iron and Vitamin E
Once for an ounce, a pumpkin packs a nutritious wallop, probably more than any other. Even if you only get your pumpkin there, you are still better off eating it. Why not enjoy the benefits of the latter part of the year instead of just the holidays? You can enjoy the seeds all year round and get the benefits of those as well. Next time you make a delicious winter soup, add a can of pumpkin to the base to make a delicious and nutritious meal. Your eyes will thank you.