pumpkin!
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hippietofugirl
Posts: 430
I eat pumpkin on a daily basis. I mix it with cottage cheese, vanilla flavoring, truvia, and cinnamon. Its DELICIOUS. So I did a little research and not to my surprise discovered its one of the healthiest things you can eat (although most people don't think about eating it year round)
Here's the article I found
Mostly known for being a part of Halloween decorations or a pie filling, pumpkins are also packed with nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. Pumpkins are a storehouse of vitamins, mineral and other healthy nutrients. Whether it is the pulp or the seeds, pumpkins are great for your health and can offer some incredible benefits.
Nutritional Composition of Pumpkins
High Carotenoids Content – Pumpkins owe their bright Orange color to the high amount of carotenoids present in them. Carotenoids assist in staving off the free radicals in the body, and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and other infections. They are also high in Lutein & Zeaxanthin which protect the eyes against free radical damage and prevent formation of cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues.
Protein – Pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains approx. 7 grams of protein. Their oil is high in phytosterols or plant-based fatty acids and their chemical composition is the same as cholesterol. Phytosterols can replace cholesterol in the body, and help in reducing the blood cholesterol levels.
Essential Fatty Acids – Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits. From providing protection against serious health diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer to promoting healthy skin and improving brain power, essential fatty acids present in pumpkin oil offer several health benefits.
Vitamin A – Pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin A. Regular consumption of pumpkin (both seeds and flesh) can promote the health of your eyes and boost your immune system remarkably.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps fight free radicals, improves immunity and promotes the production of collagen. The high Vitamin C content in pumpkins also offers protection against various forms of cancer.
Magnesium - Both the pulp and seeds of pumpkin are rich in magnesium, which is an important mineral required for various biological functions. Magnesium is also required for the maintenance bones and teeth.
Potassium & Zinc – Pumpkin is loaded with potassium and Zinc. Studies show that eating a potassium-rich diet can prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Zinc is important for providing bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis. It boosts the immune system and promotes reproductive health.
Fiber – Pumpkin flesh is very low in calories and contains abundant quantities of extremely good dietary fiber. It is extremely effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, indigestion etc. The high amount of fiber also helps in lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood and in regulating the blood sugar levels.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Flesh and Seeds
Prostate Cancer – The protective compounds present within the pumpkin seeds, called phytosterols can lower the risk of prostate cancer. These work by shrinking the prostate and stimulating the secretion of chemicals that protect against the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT levels can cause enlargement of the prostate glands.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect – The Beta carotene present in pumpkin seeds and flesh has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of pumpkin can protect against joint inflammation and arthritis. Pumpkins have been known to provide relief from inflammation quickly, without the harmful side-effects of anti-inflammatory medicines.
Great on your skin – The high amount of Vitamin A, C and E as well as Zinc present in pumpkin, make it a great choice for those who want a healthy and glowing skin. Have a cup of pumpkin seeds per day to prevent appearance of wrinkles and to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
Prevents Kidney Stones – Have 5 to 10 grams of pumpkin seeds every day. This stimulates the kidneys and prevents the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
Depression – Pumpkin flesh contains L-tryptophan, a chemical compound that triggers feelings of well-being and happiness. Having pumpkin as a part of your daily diet can keep your spirits high and prevent depression.
Treatment of Parasites – In various cultures especially China, pumpkins are used to treat infections caused by tapeworms and other parasites.
Diuretics – Pumpkins are natural diuretics. These help in flushing out the toxins and unwanted waste material from the body, leaving you refreshed and healthy.
With so many health benefits, it is no wonder that pumpkin is an important part of the list of Super Foods. Next time you are carving a pumpkin, do not throw away the pulp or the seeds – instead boil, bake or cook them in any form you like.
Here's the article I found
Mostly known for being a part of Halloween decorations or a pie filling, pumpkins are also packed with nutrition and offer a wide range of health benefits. Pumpkins are a storehouse of vitamins, mineral and other healthy nutrients. Whether it is the pulp or the seeds, pumpkins are great for your health and can offer some incredible benefits.
Nutritional Composition of Pumpkins
High Carotenoids Content – Pumpkins owe their bright Orange color to the high amount of carotenoids present in them. Carotenoids assist in staving off the free radicals in the body, and help in preventing premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and other infections. They are also high in Lutein & Zeaxanthin which protect the eyes against free radical damage and prevent formation of cataracts and degeneration of the eye tissues.
Protein – Pumpkin seeds also known as Pepitas are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seeds contains approx. 7 grams of protein. Their oil is high in phytosterols or plant-based fatty acids and their chemical composition is the same as cholesterol. Phytosterols can replace cholesterol in the body, and help in reducing the blood cholesterol levels.
Essential Fatty Acids – Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits. From providing protection against serious health diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer to promoting healthy skin and improving brain power, essential fatty acids present in pumpkin oil offer several health benefits.
Vitamin A – Pumpkin is a rich source of Vitamin A. Regular consumption of pumpkin (both seeds and flesh) can promote the health of your eyes and boost your immune system remarkably.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C helps fight free radicals, improves immunity and promotes the production of collagen. The high Vitamin C content in pumpkins also offers protection against various forms of cancer.
Magnesium - Both the pulp and seeds of pumpkin are rich in magnesium, which is an important mineral required for various biological functions. Magnesium is also required for the maintenance bones and teeth.
Potassium & Zinc – Pumpkin is loaded with potassium and Zinc. Studies show that eating a potassium-rich diet can prevent onset of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Zinc is important for providing bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis. It boosts the immune system and promotes reproductive health.
Fiber – Pumpkin flesh is very low in calories and contains abundant quantities of extremely good dietary fiber. It is extremely effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, indigestion etc. The high amount of fiber also helps in lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood and in regulating the blood sugar levels.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin Flesh and Seeds
Prostate Cancer – The protective compounds present within the pumpkin seeds, called phytosterols can lower the risk of prostate cancer. These work by shrinking the prostate and stimulating the secretion of chemicals that protect against the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT levels can cause enlargement of the prostate glands.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect – The Beta carotene present in pumpkin seeds and flesh has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of pumpkin can protect against joint inflammation and arthritis. Pumpkins have been known to provide relief from inflammation quickly, without the harmful side-effects of anti-inflammatory medicines.
Great on your skin – The high amount of Vitamin A, C and E as well as Zinc present in pumpkin, make it a great choice for those who want a healthy and glowing skin. Have a cup of pumpkin seeds per day to prevent appearance of wrinkles and to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.
Prevents Kidney Stones – Have 5 to 10 grams of pumpkin seeds every day. This stimulates the kidneys and prevents the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
Depression – Pumpkin flesh contains L-tryptophan, a chemical compound that triggers feelings of well-being and happiness. Having pumpkin as a part of your daily diet can keep your spirits high and prevent depression.
Treatment of Parasites – In various cultures especially China, pumpkins are used to treat infections caused by tapeworms and other parasites.
Diuretics – Pumpkins are natural diuretics. These help in flushing out the toxins and unwanted waste material from the body, leaving you refreshed and healthy.
With so many health benefits, it is no wonder that pumpkin is an important part of the list of Super Foods. Next time you are carving a pumpkin, do not throw away the pulp or the seeds – instead boil, bake or cook them in any form you like.
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Replies
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I guess no one cares...lol0
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I love pumpkin. Thanks for the reminder. I haven't thought to get any in awhile.
Sometimes I mix it into oatmeal with lots of cinnamon.0 -
I love pumpkin, but where do you get it year-round?
Also do you have any other recipes?0 -
I love pumpkin too! I never knew all these benefits or the simply ways you could eat it everyday. I am gonna pick some up soon.0
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I make a mean pumpkin and thyme ravioli. Mmm. Thanks for reminding me about that
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I love pumpkin, but where do you get it year-round?
Also do you have any other recipes?
Roast it and freeze it.0 -
ooo this sounds yummy! I'm definitely going to look up some good recipes for pumpkin!0
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I also get canned pumpkin (although I know many people avoid canned foods b/c of BPA - there are some BPA-free versions).I love pumpkin, but where do you get it year-round?
Also do you have any other recipes?
Roast it and freeze it.0 -
~ Yummy ~
Thanks for all the great info ! :flowerforyou:0 -
love love love pumpkin - have started eating pepitas for the vitamins to help suuport my thyroid;
pumpkin pie (at Thanksgiving!) is my fave pie EVER.
I looooove pumpkin oatmeal.
I've made some really yummy pumpkin protein muffins.
I heart pumpkin, that makes it super awesome that's it's so good for yoU!!0 -
I care - thanks for the great article - I love pumpkin pie and the taste of pumpkin but struggle how to use it in a daily diet! hope your having a great day0
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I guess no one cares...lol
I just had 1/2 C of vanilla icecream with 1/2C of unsweetened pumpkin pie filling, it was delicious(though it looked like baby food) yummy!0 -
Yay for responses!! LOL
I mostly eat Libby's 100% pure pumpkin in the can -which you can find in the cooking section of your grocery store. I put it in everything from oatmeal, to muffins, to cottage cheese, to ice cream, and sometimes I eat it by itself with cinnamon...The list goes on and I'm sure there are some other great recipes out there!0 -
I love pumpkin too...don't eat everyday, but you made me rethink doing so more often. Thanks for the great advice!! :happy:0
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I LOVE pumpkin! Although I usually only get it in pie form on Thanksgiving, lol! Never thought to buy the canned stuff and eat it regularly.0
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I LOVE pumpkin! Although I usually only get it in pie form on Thanksgiving, lol! Never thought to buy the canned stuff and eat it regularly.
^That is exactly why I thought it would be a good idea to post this! No one thinks about it for some reason, but its fairly inexpensive and really quite delicious (and VERY low cal)
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I buy Libby's canned pumpkin a lot! Currently its in my protein shakes (pumpkin pie spice, frozen banana, pumpkin, protein powder, vanilla extract, sugar free vanilla pudding, ground flax) but I have been wanting to try a ravioli!0
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Where the heck are you finding this pumpkin?0
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We get pumkin all year round in Australia. I like to have it with dinner to replace the carbs I used to eat at that time of day. It's so filling and good for you
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WoW, I'll never look at a pumpkin the same way again... lol, I cant wait to try it! Thanks for the tip!0
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