Tuesday, November 17, 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?

By adding pumpkin to your diet, you not only add all these fabulous nutrients that your body needs to stay well and thrive, you are making the choice to add a good food to your diet that is mostly overlooked in this country. Instead of regulating pumpkins to the celebration of Halloween and the occasional pie during the holidays, pumpkin should be allowed to take its place in the culinary world and shine.

This versatile food can easily be made into delicious savory dishes as well as sweet desserts. Pumpkin is easily added to your menu in any number of ways. There are many recipes to try so you do not use the same dish all the time. Do not think of pumpkins as decorative... eat them! Make soup! Make cookies! Make pudding!

Once you have integrated pumpkin into your menu, you will wonder how you ever did without this rich, flavorful vegetable. You will feel better, you will look better, and you will be providing your body with the nutrients it needs to remain healthy. Pumpkin will help you maintain your figure, give you calcium, and help you beat problems like osteoporosis. Pretty good for a decoration, isn't it?

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