Let them eat pumpkin

I’m first in line behind the old rallying call of Let Them Eat Cake. So trust me when I say that adding pumpkin to your cakes, your muffins, your breads, is the way to go. Open up, and embrace all things pumpkin. Why? Well, it’s a great low-fat substitute for oil, plus it makes things taste great. But there are loads of other good reasons. I’ve scanned the web and gathered a few for you here.

• Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids, good for keeping the immune system strong.
• 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.

The Native Americans were aware of all the benefits in pumpkin. Here’s a handful of random fact, borrowed from HUBpages.

• 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.

• Category: Kermit
• Tag: health benefits, pumpkin