I know that so many of you think that pumpkins are only for carving at Halloween, pie, and as a Starbucks flavor – Pumpkin Spice Latte (or I’m sure that’s what my buddy Chris would say). But, pumpkins are actually freakin awesome!
Not only are pumpkins low in calories (about 50 kCal p/cup), pumpkins are high in fiber, magnesium, iron, potassium and carotenoids. Pumpkins are also great for balancing blood sugar, which can be helpful for diabetes and hypoglycemia. Lastly, pumpkins can help discharge mucous from the respiratory system, making them great for bronchial asthma, which is especially important to control during the cold months. Carotenoids have been known to decrease cataracts and macular degeneration (kinda like carrots do). The two main carotenoids in pumpkin is Beta-carotene and Alpha carotene. Both of these are converted into Vitamin A in your body. Also, Beta-carotene, when consumed from whole foods (like from a pumpkin and not from a supplement) has been potentially linked to decreasing some cancer risks and protecting your heart heath.
Pumpkin Seeds are great too! They are high in Zinc and can be bought year round…mmm…a great snack! Eat them by themselves or throw them in a salad; roasting them is also a fantastic option. As an interesting factoid, pumpkin seeds have been used to help expel parasites and worms from the GI tract. They can also be used to support the stomach for motion sickness and the prostate for difficulty urinating.
Fun Facts:
The First Jack-O-Lanterns were made from Turnips. They were used to frighten away spirits on Halloween.
Pumpkins are actually a fruit. They are a member of the gourd family. But that doesn’t mean you can count your pumpkin spice latte as a “fruit serving”
*This information is intended for Educational purposes and personal, at home use. It is not intended to treat any disease or replace your doctor
Cited References:
http://www.superfoodsrx.com/superfoods/pumpkin/
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/pumpkins/nutrition.cfm
FDR, Don Tollman, 2007
