benefits of pumpkins

Benefits of Pumpkins

1. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a gourd like squash that belongs to theandCucurbitaandfamily. The shape varies from oblong to oblate and its
2. History
Pumpkins, and their seeds, are native to the Americas, and indigenous species are found across North America, South America, and Central America. The word pepita is consistent with this heritage, since it comes from Mexico, where the Spanish phrase pepita de calabaza means little seed of squash. Pumpkin seeds were a celebrated food among many Native American tribes, who treasured them both for their dietary and medicinal properties. In South America, the popularity of pumpkin seeds has been traced at least as far back as the Aztec cultures of 1300 1500 AD. From the Americas, the popularity of pumpkin seeds spread to the rest of the globe through trade and exploration over many centuries. In parts of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean (especially Greece), pumpkin seeds became a standard part of everyday cuisine, and culinary and medical traditions in India and other parts of Asia also incorporated this food into a place of importance.
3. Nutritional Benefits
Pumpkins are so
4. Anti inflammatory effect
Pumpkin seeds have anti inflammatory properties that are very useful against the arthritis and joint inflammation. Pumpkin fruit is one of the widely grown vegetables that is incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, and vitamins. While this humble backyard vegetable is less in calories but contains vitamin A, and flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as leutin, xanthin, and carotenes in abundance.
5. Asthma
The anti oxidants effectively protects the respiratory system from infections and free radical attacks, reducing and healing asthma attacks. The plant is a fast growing vine that creeps along the ground surface in a similar fashion like that of other Cucurbitaceae family vegetables and fruits such as cucumber, squash, cantaloupes...etc. It is one of the most popular field crops cultivated around the world, including the USA at the commercial scale for its fruit, and seeds.
6. Atherosclerosis
The highly cleansing power of this orange colored juice helps scrub away the old build up of arterial deposits, reducing the risks of heart diseases and stroke. andThe high anti oxidants preventarteriosclerosisand(hardening of the arteries).
7. Bone health
Pumpkin is rich also in calcium. andI would make a pumpkin juice with carrots and broccoli that makes it so healthful for bone development. Pumpkins vary greatly in shape, size and colors. Giant pumpkins generally weigh 4
8. Heart Healthy Magnesium
One quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount ofandmagnesium, which participates in a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.
9. Zinc for Immune Support
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source ofandzincand(one ounce contains more than 2 mg of this beneficial mineral). Zinc is important to your body in many ways, including immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function. Many are deficient in zinc due to mineral depleted soils, drug effects, plant based diets, and other diets high in grain. This deficiency is associated with increased colds and flu, chronic fatigue, depression, acne, low birth weight babies, learning problems and poor school performance in children, among others.
10. Plant Based Omega 3 Fats
Raw nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are one of the best sources of plant based omega 3s (alpha linolenic acid or ALA). We all need ALA, however, ALA has to be converted by your body into the far more essential omega 3 fats EPA and DHA by an enzyme in which the vast majority of us have impaired by high insulin levels. So, while pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of ALA, I believe it is essential to get some of your omega 3 fats from animal sources, such as krill oil, as well.