10/30/2013

Pumpkin - not just a Halloween decoration


If your goal is a healthy, nutritious diet, add pumpkin to meals regularly.


The bright orange flesh of a pumpkin is loaded with fiber , vitamins and minerals. Consuming pumpkin regularly can help move food through your digestive tract, adding bulk to your stool and lessening your risk of constipation. A fiber-rich diet also helps reduce your blood cholesterol level by slowing its uptake from food, lowering your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

Pumpkin is nearly fat-free and quite low in calories. One cup of boiled, drained pumpkin contains only 49 calories, the majority as carbohydrate with some protein and an extremely small amount of fat, also it contains up to 5 grams of dietary fiber. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins A, C, E and the B group vitamins and dietary fiber. Mineral wise, it’s rich with potassium, iron, calsium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, sodium and zinc.



Vitamin A is a key nutrient for keeping our eyes healthy and our vision good. Carotenoids are pigments found in yellow, orange and red foods, including pumpkin. Your body converts three carotenoids, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, into vitamin A. Half a cup of canned pumpkin has 953 mg of vitamin A. These natural chemicals, along with other pumpkin carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin, are also antioxidants, compounds that help protect you from free radicals. Vitamin A promotes the growth and health of cells and tissues throughout your body. Vitamin A also protects you from infections by keeping the skin and tissues in your mouth, stomach, intestines, respiratory, genital and urinary tracts healthy.A diet high in carotenoids may help prevent cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and some eye problems.

Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack, with about 125 calories in 1 ounce of roasted seeds. Pumpkin seeds are used in many Latin dishes to thicken sauces, but they are also packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. They are low in sugar, low in fat, a healthy breakfast. One ounce contains about 15 grams carbohydrate and 5 grams each of fat and protein, they’re loaded with protein, iron, zinc and magnesium. Pumpkin seed oil is traditionally recommended to improve prostate health and relieve prostatic enlargement. Pumpkin seed oil might also have cardiovascular benefits, possibly lowering blood cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure.

You can consume boiled, roasted or baked pumpkin. Pumpkin tastes delicious, creates a warm-like aroma, and feeds your body with many nutrients.


20 comments:

  1. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Is there a difference between pumpkin and butternut squash?

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    Replies
    1. Pumpkin refers to certain cultivars of squash. Different flesh colors, different tastes. Pumpkins that are still small and green may be eaten in the same way as squash or zucchini. Commercially canned "pumpkin" puree and pumpkin pie fillings are often made with winter squashes other than the traditionally defined pumpkin, such as butternut squash.

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  2. Anonymous10/30/2013

    What are pie pumpkins? Are the pie pumpkins smaller?

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    Replies
    1. Pie pumpkins are smaller and more dense than decorative pumpkins. Recipes calling for pumpkin may use canned or fresh varieties, but should never have decorative pumpkins used as a substitute. The most common variety is the deliciously flavorful sugar pie, but other eating pumpkins may include winter luxury, deep red, and golden cushaw.

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  3. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Is winter squash sweeter than pumpkin?

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    Replies
    1. Butternut squash is deep and richly flavored, sweet, with relatively smooth flesh that is easy to purée. Acorn is honeyed, moist, not too fibrous, Sugar pumpkin is neither sugary sweet nor very tender.

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  4. Anonymous10/30/2013

    I will tell you i will be eating pumpkin some time soon.

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  5. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Who would have ever thought that pumkpin would help you be healthier??? That's crazy stuff. I will have to try it out:)))

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  6. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Eat more pumpkin..Hmmm.... never heard that before but hey, i'll give it a try. Not much of a pumpkin kinda guy but i'll give it a try.

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  7. Anonymous10/30/2013

    I am not much of a pumpkin person but i guess i might start eating a little more pumpkin now.

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  8. Anonymous10/30/2013

    I would never have thought about eating pumpkin at all to be honest with you.

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  9. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Never knew pumpkin is good for me.

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  10. Anonymous10/30/2013

    I'm always up for new things, I'm going to start eating pumpkin pie.

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  11. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Pumpkin smoothie, never tried but it sounds great.

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  12. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Cool!!

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  13. Anonymous10/30/2013

    love pumpkin pie

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  14. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Im not a pumpkin fan either but its actually taste pretty good.

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  15. Anonymous10/30/2013

    I lack in vitamin A, this is great way to get it.

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  16. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Fall time is pumpkin time.

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  17. Anonymous10/30/2013

    Wow looks exactly like me in the morning

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