Health
Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkins
are not just good for making soup and pies.
It can be juiced uncooked and makes a highly nutritious
drink useful for prevention of many common conditions.
It can be juiced uncooked and makes a highly nutritious
drink useful for prevention of many common conditions.
Description
Pumpkin is a
gourd-like squash that belongs to the Cucurbita family. The shape varies from oblong
to oblate and its “skin” is usually thick in orange or yellowish color.
The inside flesh vary from pale to dark green, white to gray and
orange-yellow to red. At the core of pumpkin, are the seeds which are
edible.
Generally, a
pumpkin weighs around 4-8 kg (9-18 lbs). However, with the Cucurbita
maxima (the largest
pumpkins species) its weight can reach up to 34 kg (75lbs).
Another very
interesting fact is that pumpkins are monoecious plants, this means they have
both sexes (male and female flowers) on one plant. The female flower can be
easily identified with having a small “ovary”
at the bottom of the petals.
In the United States of America
Nutritional
Benefits
Pumpkins are
so “cheerful looking” with their bright colors. Its yellow-orangey skin and
flesh is packed with the carotenoids.
Pumpkin is a
good source of vitamins A, C, E and the B vitamins and dietary fiber.
Mineral wise, it’s rich with potassium, iron, calsium, magnesium,
phosphorus, copper, manganese, sodium and zinc.
Health
Benefits
This
bright-colored, gourd-like squash is so rich with nutrients that makes it a
very valuable vegetable from the health perspective.
Anti-inflammatory
effect: Pumpkin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties
that are very useful against the arthritis and joint inflammation.
Asthma: The
anti-oxidants effectively protects the respiratory system from infections and
free-radical attacks, reducing and healing asthma attacks.
Atherosclerosis: The
highly cleansing power of this orange-colored juice helps scrub away the old
build-up of arterial deposits, reducing the risks of heart diseases and stroke.
The high anti-oxidants preventarteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Bone health: Pumpkin is rich also in calcium. I would make a
pumpkin juice with carrots and broccoli that makes it so healthful for bone
development.
Cholesterol: Pumpkin has high amounts of phytosterols that is similar
to our human cholesterol. It can replace and normalize the cholesterol to
a healthy level.
Depression: One of
the cause of depression is the lack of trytophan in our diet. Pumpkin is
rich with L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that our body cannot
manufacture. When this chemical compound is supplied, it activates the
feeling of happiness and well-being, reducing the depressed mood.
Dietary
fiber: The
bulk that pumpkin flesh provides is helpful dietary fiber that aids in
gastrointestinal disorders for example indigestion, constipation etc. It also
facilitates in lessening the blood LDL cholesterol level and regulates the
blood sugar level.
Diuretics: Pumpkin juice (juiced uncooked) act as an innate diuretic,
which is very useful for getting rid of toxins and useless waste materials by
flushing them out of the body. It can be included as a detoxifying food.
Eyesight/vision: Beta-carotene,
lutein and zeaxanthin are some of the finest nourishment that help keep the
optic system in tip-top condition, with special protection against astigmatism,
macular degeneration and cataracts.
Immune
system: It does wonders for boosting the immune system by
increasing the production and performance of white blood cells; building
resistance to various kinds of infections.
Kidney
stones, prevent: Pumpkin
seeds are also great for the kidneys. By taking about 5 – 10 grams of pumpkin
seeds daily prevents stones formation in the kidneys.
Parasites: In traditional Chinese medicine, pumpkin seeds are ground
into powder form to be drunk with the juice for the treatment of parasites or
tapeworm infection.
Peptic
ulcers:
Pumpkin has all the right mix of medicinal properties that are calming to the
gastrointestinal tract, healing to digestive conditions and peptic ulcers.
In this case, best to take in the nutrients in juice form.
Prostate
cancer: The high content of zinc and carotenoids in pumpkin and
its seeds help protect against prostate cancer. These compounds prevents
enlargement of the prostate and over-stimulation of the male hormones that
cause prostate problems.
Skin: The high quantity of anti-oxidants in the form of vitamins
A, C and E, and zinc, provide the synergistic healing virtues that are great
for the skin. These healthful properties are best obtained by drinking of its
juice regularly.
Consumption
Tips
Generally,
pumpkins are available for purchase throughout the year. To select a pumpkin
for cooking, choose a heavy one as it has smaller space in the middle which
means more flesh.
Pumpkin is
mostly used to make soups or pie. Not many people know that it can be
juiced and drunk in its raw form, let alone daring to try it. But it has
all its nutrients and enzymes undisturbed in its raw form. Here’s a nice pumpkin juice recipe you can make using uncooked
pumpkin.
Pumpkin has a
pretty much long life if it is stored properly in the refrigerator. Wrap
it carefully with newspaper to retain the moisture.
Caution
Some people
may be allergic to pumpkin seeds. Try a little to see if there is any
reaction to your body, especially if you’ve never eaten pumpkin seeds.
