Yes, it’s the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it’s Halloween weekend! And, of course, what would Halloween or Thanksgiving be without pumpkins?
Now pumpkins – or pumpkin fruit – are a variety of squash which were first found in Central America and Mexico. While a popular food source for hundreds of years, the tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns did not enter our holiday ritual until 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.
But, the really great thing about pumpkins is that they are one of the best cancer-fighting foods available! And, one of the most nutritious foods we can consume to insure overall good health!
First, the pumpkin is a powerhouse of several anti-oxidant vitamins, including Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Indeed, as a member of the Cucurbitaceae family of vegetables, the pumpkin is a food source that contains the highest levels of Vitamin A available. This is important because Vitamin A is a necessary natural anti-oxidant that nourishes the skin and mucus membranes of our bodies. It’s also an essential vitamin for maintaining good visual clarity – AND – studies have indicated that natural foods containing high levels of Vitamin A help protect us from lung and oral cavity cancers as well.
Pumpkin fruit also is an excellent source of Beta Carotenes, Cryptoxanthin, Lutein and Zea-xanthin. Big names for lots of good things – because carotenes in turn convert into Vitamin A inside our bodies. And, as another natural anti-oxidant, Zea-xanthin is capable of filtering ultra-violet rays in the macula lutea in the retina of our eyes. This means that this anti-oxidant can help protect the elderly from age-related macular degeneration disease.
And let’s not forget that pumpkin also is a great source of the B-complex group of vitamins, including Vitamin B-6, Thiamin, Niacin and Folates – as well as source minerals, including Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Zinc and Magnesium.
BUT WAIT!! THERE’S MORE!! In addition to all the anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals we’ve already mentioned, pumpkin is one of the lowest calorie impact vegetables on the market. In fact, 100 grams of pumpkin fruit weighs in at just 26 calories! And, while it is high in dietary fiber, pumpkin contains no cholesterol or saturated fats! It is truly a wonder food!
So, when it comes to pumpkin – go crazy! Indulge yourself! Enjoy pumpkin soup – pumpkin stock – pumpkin bread – pumpkin stew – pumpkin pie filling – pumpkin spread – pumpkin salad – pumpkin sauce – and don’t forget the seeds! For the seeds contain concentrated sources of protein, minerals and vitamins – and with their dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, they are good for the heart.
Well, I don’t know about you – but I’m hungry now! So, until next time – have a sensationally spooky Halloween weekend!
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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