Pumpkins are the healthy side of Halloween. If there was only more (real) pumpkin filled candy in Halloween bags we would be OK! Ninety-nine percent of pumpkins produced are carving pumpkins, which are more stringy than cooking pumpkins, which are typically smaller and sweeter. But the seeds in your carving pumpkins are great!
Pumpkins have been used for food, fun and healing for centuries. The orange color shows that they are high in beta carotene, but they also contain other anti-oxidants that are especially good for the eyes, which makes them a good vegetable if you want to sharpen your vision or prevent cataracts. I am always looking for a miracle food so I don't need my glasses to drive...maybe I will develop a new found love for pumpkin bread this fall :)! Pumpkin is also loaded with Zinc, Potassium and fiber.
Pumpkin Seeds are also really, really good tasting AND so good for you, so I have to mention them here. The seeds contain many of the nutrients of the pumpkin flesh, but have more fiber, protein, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. You will also find Phytosterols, which actually reduce to cholesterol, enhance immune system and can decrease the risk of cancer. These effects are so huge that Phytosterols are extracted and added to foods like margarine, which allows the manufacturers to say they are a cholesterol reducing food. Margarine is also one of the most processed foods on the planet. So.... instead of eating all of the added chemicals and junk that is in margarine, why not go straight to the source? Pumpkin butter?
Here is some info on how American Indians used pumpkins for healing:
- Yuma tribes created an emulsion from pumpkin seeds and watermelon to help heal wounds. The seed oil was also used to treat burns and wounds.
- Catawabas ate pumpkin seeds either fresh or dry as a medicine for kidney support.
- Menominees mixed powdered squash and water to for urinary support.
- Modern folk healers believe the pumpkin to be beneficial in ridding the body of intestinal worms and also believe the ground stem of the pumpkin brewed into a tea may help ease women during their menstrual cycle.
And here is a link to the 10 benefits of pumpkin seeds:
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds.html
Did you see the 1,725 lb. pumpkin grown near Massillon? Here is a link to the video.
http://www.fox8.com/wjw-news-massillon-pumpkin-world-record,0,226922.story
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