P is for Pumpkin

image from here

Pumpkin season is here again … from pumpkin spice lattes to big Halloween decorations, this savoury orange fruit will be everywhere you look; and did you know you can eat every part of a pumpkin? Yes, from the skin to the seeds and even the stalk, you can eat it all roasted or steamed, sweet or savoury.

With so many ways to enjoy pumpkin, you may be interested in knowing some of the top health benefits of eating this versatile fruit.

1. Low Calorie, High Nutrient Content
Being 90% water, pumpkins are a low-calorie food with plenty of beneficial nutrients. They’ve got more fibre than kale, more potassium than bananas, and are full of magnesium, manganese, and iron. Pumpkins are also a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Riboflavin.

2. Powerful Anti-Inflammatory
Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are a perfect snack and work as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing symptoms of inflammation. Plus, they’re even better than drugs because they taste great and don’t have any of the negative side-effects!

3. Anti-Cancer Properties
Pumpkins are incredibly rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that has been linked with reducing the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that populations with high levels of beta-carotene in their diet had lower population-wide rates of cancer.

4. Great Source of Protein
One serve of pumpkin provides 4% of recommended daily protein values, which is good news for non-meat eaters looking to increase their protein intake.

5. Good For Your Eyes
Vitamin A is essential for good eye health, helping the retina absorb and process light, and pumpkins contain a high percentage of your daily requirement in just one serving! Additionally, lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in pumpkin, support the prevention of cataracts and may slow the development of macular degeneration.

6. Supports Your Immunity
The large amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C found in pumpkin help protect your body and recover more quickly from infections, viruses, and diseases. Pumpkin oil can also help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.

7. Good For Your Skin
The properties of pumpkin can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, plus the pulp is a popular ingredient in natural face masks that leave your skin looking fresher and younger.

8. Helps Treat Baldness
While chemical treatments exist to treat baldness, they come with a number of side effects. The natural pumpkin seed oil alternative encourages hair growth by blocking the body’s process of creating a particular hormone that shrinks hair follicles.

9. Helps Heal Wounds and Burns
Pumpkin oil has been found to have healing properties, with tests on second-degree burns on rats showing a positive impact on the closing of wounds by increasing the production of collagen by 65%.

10. Good for the Heart
The high amount of potassium found in pumpkin is great for the heart, regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health. Studies have indicated that the consumption of the right amount of potassium is as important for hypertension and high blood pressure as is the minimization of sodium intake.

To reap the most benefits from pumpkins, be sure to opt for real, whole pumpkin rather than canned pumpkin pie mix, as it typically contains added sugars and syrups.

A word of caution … Pumpkin is mildly diuretic and could be a problem for people who take certain medications, especially lithium.
Most words above from article here

Thai Pumpkin Soup

A low carb high fat Thai pumpkin soup for cooler days.

It’s dairy-free, too! See recipe here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog and it is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use a reliable meter. If you have any concerns about your health it is always advisable to consult your Doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan