Health and Nutrition Information – Pumpkin

About Pumpkin

Scientifically known as Cucurbita pepo; Pumpkin is a cultivar of the squash plant and winter squash being its closely related family member. They are large in size with thick shell outside and pulpy flesh inside with seeds. The word pumpkin was derived from the word pepon a Greek word which translates to mean ‘large melon ‘in English. The French called it pompom and the British called it pumpion. That is how pumpkin was fondly called in different parts of the world. The word pumpkin means winter squash of any appearance according to the Australian English, on the other side the British English means round variety of orange winter squash. There are different ways of perceiving pumpkins around the world where some region believe that it is a round shaped orange variety , the other mean it is any other winter squash. The cultivation of pumpkin is a process of hard working labour and good soil fertility. Pumpkins can only grow in frost free regions and almost all the continents apart from Antarctica can support the growth and survival of this gigantic vegetable on their land. Planting a pumpkin should be done by planting the seed in the soil directly and they need a long period to grow; an average of 75 – 100 frost free and warm days. They should be planted during spring and can be harvested during summers. Pumpkins need a lot of nutrition and nourishment to grow; a healthy harvest is a resultant of good nurturing done to the plants during its growing days. United States of America ranks on the top position for the highest production of pumpkin for both culinary and ornamental usage. Pumpkin is seen in a lot of prominence during Halloween; this vegetable is very closely related to Halloween worldwide.

Pumpkin Nutrition value

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• protection against loss of muscle mass.
• preservation of bone mineral density.
• protection from “Age-Related Muscular Disease” (ARMD).

Benefits of pumpkin

• Feel Fuller.
• Boost Vision.
• Lower Blood Pressure.
• Sleep Better.
• Have a Healthier Heart.
• protection against asthma.
• Reduction in the formation of kidney stones.
• Reduced risk of stroke.

Pumpkins

Pumpkin comes in different shapes sizes and sometimes in an array of colours but what makes it stand apart from the rest of the vegetables is its nutrition value. Pumpkin has the property that transforms good health to fit health. This vegetable has vital vitamins such as Vitamin A which forms a substance called alpha carotene an anti aging property good for freckled skin as it produces collagen that makes your skin look youthful and smooth. Speaking of good skin vitamin E also contributes to great skin as it protects the skin against skin damage. Vitamin C found in pumpkin is popular for its ability to boost the immunity of your body and strengthening bones in order to give a good frame to the body. Apart from these nutrients pumpkin consisting many minerals that meet the daily needs of the body.Pumpkin seed oil is rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies suggest it may lead to a significant increase in good “HDL” cholesterol along with decreases in blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pains and other menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid (protein building block) that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the “sleep hormone.” Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed, along with a carbohydrate like a small piece of fruit, may be especially beneficial for providing your body the tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production to help promote a restful night’s sleep

How To Enjoy Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a vegetable that goes good with every form of cooking such as baking, simmering, and grilling or sometimes even for food carving. Pumpkin soup is a delicacy that can be enjoyed as a hot soups during winter and cold soups during summer times.

Pumpkins

Pumpkin pies are a favourite amongst vegetarian food lovers. Pumpkin seeds are also of great importance one cannot afford to discard the seeds as they are edible too.