"Super Foods": Pumpkin

What are Super Foods?  And why is pumpkin included as a superfood?

They are foods that go beyond the norm in providing extra-ordinary health benefits, including preventing disease and increasing longevity.  These foods are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, plant sterols, polyphenols and phytoestrogens to promote health and well-being.

Everyday we hear about "new" research studies proving the "miraculous" healing powers of many different foods.  Most of these foods are really just normal everyday foods that everybody used to eat as part of a normal diet.  Of course, in the last 50 to 80 years highly processed convenience foods have taken the place of these healthy whole foods to the detriment of our health.

More and more people are replacing healthy, nutritious whole foods with nutritionally empty processed foods full of chemicals, preservatives and additives.  Food forms the building blocks of every cell and tissue in our body.  If the food we eat is nutritionally deficient, it obviously is not going to do a very good job of rejuvenating our health and preventing the development of disease.

If, on the other hand, we go back to basics and eat healthy, nutritious food, (especially super foods!) our bodies have the chance to use the vitamins and minerals in these foods to improve all areas of our health. 

Now here is a food that people do not think of when they think of Super Foods, but as you will see, pumpkin can most definitely be in included in the Super Foods category.

So what health benefits can you expect to get from pumpkin?  This is just a short list...

• Pumpkin is naturally low in calories and high in health-promoting Essential Fatty Acids

• The first thing we think of with pumpkin is its colour ... and yes, that orange colour does signify that it is bursting with that most important antioxidant, betacarotene.  Betacarotene has gotten a lot of positive press because of its claim of reducing the risk of many types of cancer, as well as heart disease.  It is also known to promote eye health.  This is due to its ability to reduce free-radical damage.

• Studies have also shown that beta-carotene is known to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

• Pumpkin also has alpha-carotene, which is known to promote anti-aging, as well as prevent cataracts and some cancers.

• Pumpkin is also a rich source of fibre, which in turn helps to stabilise blood sugar and insulin levels as well as lower abnormally high levels of estrogen, (known as Estrogen Dominance). They also help to improve digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea.

• Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, C, E, calcium and potassium

• As well as the flesh of the pumpkin, pumpkin seeds are also known to have amazing health benefits, such as...

  • Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc and magnesium, which is essential for continued good health.

  • Pumpkin seeds contain L-Tryptophan, which is the precursor for serotonin production.  This can help with improved moods as well as blood sugar stability.

  • Studies have been done that show that pumpkin seeds have been shown to decrease the incidence of kidney stones.

  • Pumpkin seeds are high in healthy Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3, which are the "good fats".  These good fats are essential for continued health, including good skin tone and healthy hair and nails.  They also lower your risk of heart disease.

  • Research has shown that pumpkin seeds reduce kidney inflammation and urinary problems.

  • Studies are looking into the cholesterol lowering properties of the phytosterols in pumpkin seeds.

Who would have thought a simple food like pumpkin would have so many health benefits!  And roasting pumpkin is not the only way to eat it ... there are many delicious recipes out there, but one of my favourite recipes is this delicious Pumpkin Soup...

Check out this delicious Super Foods recipe...

Super Foods Recipe:   Pumpkin Soup

1 butternut pumpkin                3 cups chicken stock

Salt and pepper, to taste         Dash Cinnamon

Dash of nutmeg                      Sour cream

Dried parsley

1. Chop up pumpkin in large chunks and boil in a large saucepan until tender
2. Scoop flesh out of rind, place in a blender and puree until smooth
3. Place pureed pumpkin, chicken stock, and spices in a large saucepan and simmer for 20 – 30 minutes.
4. Serve with a dollop of sour cream
5. Serves 4

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