Pumpkin Power... Health benefits of Pumpkins

[Guest guest]

Treat Yourself to Pumpkin Power

When you're picking pumpkins to decorate your porch this fall, don't forget to

harvest a few for your kitchen cuisine.

Those brilliant orange pumpkins are actually fruits loaded with the antioxidant

beta-carotene. This plant carotenoid is converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta

carotene is recognized for its role in reducing the risk of developing certain

cancers, and protecting against heart disease and some degenerative diseases.

Pumpkins are not only low in calories, but they're also a good source of

magnesium, potassium, folate, iron, fiber and vitamin C. Pumpkins also contain

the antioxidant lutein, which promotes eye health and protects vision.

An antifungal protein from the rind of pumpkins has even been shown to fight the

cause of many common yeast infections.

When it comes to ways to eat pumpkin, think beyond pie and bread. Add chunks of

pumpkin to stews, use pureed pumpkin in shakes, pancakes and soups. You can

finds lots of pumpkin recipes online.

Pumpkin seeds are also packed with nutrients, including ALA, an essential fatty

acid; iron, protein, fiber and zinc. Native Americans used them for food and

medicine. To eat them, let them dry on paper towels, then toss with oil and your

choice of seasonings. Then oven roast them on a cookie sheet at 250° F for about

45 minutes.