A JACK-O-LANTERN BY ANY OTHER NAME
Hello everyone and welcome to my pre-Halloween Blog paying homage to the late autumn days of October and, of course, the humble pumpkin.
First of all, let’s clear up a little confusion surrounding this particular and popular piece of produce. The pumpkin is a fruit, not a vegetable. And this is why. A pumpkin develops from a flower on the pumpkin vine and also contains seeds. The science of botany, therefore, classifies the pumpkin as a fruit, even though it’s related to the family of gourds and squash.
And as far as history goes, pumpkins were first found in Central America and Mexico where they were a popular food source for hundreds of years and as we all know, continue to be today.
Yet, at this time of year most of us are also familiar with the tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns – a holiday ritual that was introduced to America when Irish immigrants arrived in North America.
Originally, a jack-o-lantern in Ireland was made from turnips or potatoes to keep harmful spirits away from one’s doorstep. But when these new-comers discovered the pumpkin in their adopted homeland, it quickly replaced other vegetables as the number one choice for decorative fun and festivity.
The really great thing about pumpkins, however, is that they are one of the healthiest foods we can eat.
The pumpkin is a powerhouse of several cancer-fighting antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A. Indeed, the pumpkin contains some of the highest levels of vitamin A available in food sources, which is so important for nourishing the skin, maintaining good visual clarity, and protecting us from lung and oral cancers.
Pumpkin also is an excellent source of beta carotenes, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds not only give the pumpkin its yellow-orange color, but protect our eyesight and help prevent age-related macular degeneration as we grow older.
In addition, the pumpkin is a great source of the B-complex group of vitamins, including vitamin B-6, thiamin, niacin and folates, which improve the circulation of oxygen in the body and the brain that aid in concentration and mental clarity.
Then, of course, the additional minerals, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, copper, and zinc, which maintain strong bones and teeth, improves digestion with loads of fiber, and aids metabolism.
In fact, the pumpkin has one of the lowest caloric impacts on our bodies of any produce on the market. 100 grams of pumpkin weighs in at just 26 calories, and contains no cholesterol or saturated fats, so it’s great for our heart health.
The humble pumpkin truly is a wonderful wonder food. So, feel free to go crazy when it comes to this healthy and delicious fruit. Enjoy this seasonal treat in soup, sauces, smoothies, and salads. Mix up a batch of muffins, pancakes, and cookies. Bake up a cake, a pie, and breads galore.
And whatever you do, don’t forget the seeds. The seeds of a pumpkin contain concentrated sources of protein, minerals and vitamins, and because they also contain mono-unsaturated fatty acids, they are a heart-healthy food source as well.
I love this time of year replete with its pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, Halloween or All Hallows’ Eve, trick or treating, and cool, windy nights. It’s the beginning of the holiday season, and I hope you enjoy it with family and friends, in fun and safety. Until next time everyone, take care of each other, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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