health benefits of eating pumpkin

Health Benefits of Eating Pumpkin

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health benefits of eating pumpkin

BENEFITS:

A rich source of beta carotene.

A good low calorie source of vitamin C and potassium.

High in fiber.

The seeds are a good source of protein, iron B vitamin, vitamin E and fiber.

Can be stored for long period of time.

health benefits of eating pumpkin

To most American, pumpkins (which are a type of winter squash) are a symbol of Halloween and thanks giving, in fact, they have more uses than just traditional jack o lanterns and pie filling, the strong flavored flesh of pumpkins can be baked or roasted, used in soups or stews, and turned into a filling for ravioli style pasta.

Pumpkins were an important food through out the Americas long before Colonial times. They have been cultivated in Central America for at least 9,000 years, and remains of the fruit have been found in the United States of America in ancient south western cliff dwellings. Pumpkins are now grown around the world, providing edible flesh, seeds, and flowers, the baby fruit can be baked and consumed whole.

Like all orange pigmented vegetables, pumpkins are rich in beta carotene, the plant form of vitamin A, a half cup of canned or baked pumpkin provides over 450% of the Adult Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Studies have shown that this antioxidant may help prevent some forms of cancer. Pumpkins are also high in vitamin C, a half cup serving supplies over 15 % of the RDA, as well as 275 mg of potassium. A half cup has only 40 calories and is very in fat and high in fiber, because pumpkins absorb water, they lose some nutrients and have fewer calories per ounce when they are boiled. Sugar pumpkins which are smaller and sweeter than the large deep orange pumpkins used for jack o lantern, are the best choice for cooking and baking.

health benefits of eating pumpkin

Although the seeds are often thrown away when a jack o lantern is carved, they are a rich source of protein. One ounce of pumpkin seed provided 7g of protein almost as much as an equal serving of peanuts, as well as 3 mg of iron (10 to 30 % of the adult RDA). They are high in unsaturated vegetable oil, a source of vitamin E, and rich in B vitamins. When the coverings are consumed too, the seeds are high in fiber. Pumpkin seeds are easy to prepare, scoop out the seeds, wash them and let dry, then bake them on an oiled baking sheet at 250 F for an hour.

Commercial varieties are often fried and salted, because pumpkins have hard shells, like other winter Squashes, they are ideal for storing. Pumpkins last about a month in a cool, dry place. They should not be refrigerated or stored at temperature below 50F, which speeds deterioration.

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin

health benefits of eating pumpkin