Monday, October 27, 2014

Pumpkin - The Autumn King

Without any doubt I crown this magnificent, tasty and healthy berry as the king of the autumn. It is also one of the most famous berries in the world.

Did you know that 100 g of pumpkin provides just 26 calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol? However, it is rich in dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. Pumpkin is a rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. It is also an excellent source of many natural poly-phenolic flavonoid compounds such as α, ß carotene that convert into vitamin A inside the body which is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucus membranes. It is also an essential vitamin for good eyesight and immunity in general. 

You can benefit from and use every bit and piece of this berry be it a seed, skin or a flower. 

Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of minerals, too, like magnesium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, zinc. You can eat them fresh, dried or roasted. Seeds help to eliminate the intestinal parasites, improve functioning of the joints, disinfects the mouth and protects teeth.

To promote the growth and health of your hair, nails, teeth and bones you can use ground pumpkin skin adding it as a supplement while cooking an omelet, pancakes, soups etc because pumpkin skin is a great source of calcium. 

Pumpkin flowers can be dried and used in teas or soups to improve the immune system, but fresh pumpkin vines will help with different heart conditions. Pulp will improve functioning of your brain, eliminate cholesterol, lower the blood pressure and make you more optimistic in general. 

Fresh pumpkin juice will help to get rid of kidney stones but when adding a honey will help against insomnia. Pumpkin juice is good for facial cleaning and pulp helps to lessen the wrinkles.

I guess there is no need to remind you that any heat treatment reduces the benefits of this wonder berry and superfood. And when carving a pumpkin on 31 October don't throw away anything :)