Ingredient Spotlight: Pumpkin

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Pumpkin

• Pumpkin is very rich in carotenoids, which is known for keeping the immune system of an individual strong and healthy.
• Beta-carotene, found in pumpkin, is a powerful antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps prevent build up of cholesterol on the arterial walls, thus reducing chances of strokes.
• Being rich in alpha-carotene, pumpkin is believed to slow the process of aging and also prevent cataract formation.
• Pumpkins have been known to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem than usually results in blindness.
• The high amount of fiber, present in a pumpkin, is good for the bowel health of an individual.
• Being loaded with potassium, pumpkin is associated with lowering the risk of hypertension.
• The presence of zinc in pumpkins boosts the immune system and also improves the bone density.

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

• Long before we knew them as pumpkin seeds, Native American civilizations referred to these nutrient dense seeds as Cucurbita. As a natural source of essential fatty acids, protein, amino acids and trace minerals, pumpkin seeds were one of our nation's first perfect foods.
• Promote overall prostate health, apart from alleviating the problem of difficult urination that is associated with an enlarged prostate.
• Comprise of L-tryptophan, a compound that has been found to be effective against depression.
• Are believed to serve as a natural protector against osteoporosis.
• Have been known to reduce inflammation, without causing the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Studies have revealed that they help prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.
• Being rich in phytosterols, they have been associated with reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol.

Unfortunately pumpkins are not available year around. To benefit from the immense health benefits derived from the pumpkin, try pumpkin seed oil soft gels. All the health benefits of eating pumpkin, non of the hassle of cutting, cleaning, and de-seeding.

Pumpkin Recipes

Interested in reaping the numerous health benefits discussed above, but do not know where to start. The URL below has plenty of hearty and delicious recipes where pumpkin takes center stage.

http://www.pumpkinrecipes.us/

Pumpkin Nutrition Facts
(1 cup cooked, boiled, drained, without salt)

Calories 49 Protein 2 grams Carbohydrate 12 grams Dietary Fiber 3 grams Calcium 37 mg Iron 1.4 mg Magnesium 22 mg Potassium 564 mg

Zinc 1 mg Selenium .50 mg Vitamin C 12 mg Niacin 1 mg Folate 21 mcg Vitamin A 2650 IU Vitamin E 3 mg