Thursday, November 19, 2009

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pumpkin Nutrition

By Ken Kudra

Pumpkins are a great source of nutrition. These orange wonders are full of beta-carotene like all orange fruit and vegetables. It is also a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Pumpkin seeds and the oil pressed from them are full of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids... the ones we need to stay healthy.

For the calories you are consuming, pumpkin gives you a lot of nutrition. Even if you ate it for fiber alone, it is known to fill you up so you can naturally curb your appetite without harmful pharmaceuticals. Fiber is also good for your bowels. This squash is also full of potassium.

We all need iron to help our red blood cells oxygenate our bodies. Pumpkin will give you what you need! In addition, the zinc will help prevent osteoporosis. Did you know it can affect the hips as well as the spine? Zinc is also beneficial to your reproductive system... especially if you are trying for a baby.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are important compounds found in pumpkin that help neutralize the free radicals that can damage the lenses in your eyes. This can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts as you get older. Isn't it amazing that this simple vegetable can protect your eyes, your bones, and your reproductive system? It is also good for your skin. How many vegetables can do all this and still taste great in both sweet and savory dishes?

Want more ways to add this food to your menu? Maybe you are looking for a recipe for pumpkin soup. This easy meal can be made with fresh or canned pumpkin. Both versions are healthy and provide many of the nutrients your body needs. Soup can be made so it is low in calories, or you can add cream and other luscious ingredients to make it truly elegant. Who knew this rustic vegetable could offer so much?

Add pumpkin to your diet and see if you do not feel a difference. It is really a shame that this amazing food is under appreciated and overlooked in this country. Pumpkins should shine all year round, not just at Halloween and during the holidays as a simple dessert. It should be in a place of honor in the culinary world.

The versatile pumpkin needs to be celebrated. It is one of the few foods that are equally good in both sweet or savory dishes. Add pumpkin to your menu several times a month using various recipes. Try it as a bread, as a soup or as a roasted vegetable. Do not relegate pumpkins to being a novelty-serving dish. Eat some!

Once you have added more pumpkin to your diet, you will wonder what you did without this delicious vegetable. You will notice that you begin to feel and look better because you are providing your body with important nutrients that it needs. Pumpkin provides you with stronger bones, helps maintain your figure and keeps your insides working properly. Not bad for a holiday decoration.

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