That’s right, pumpkins are more than just a Halloween decoration, more than just a big orange glowing ghostly face.
They are in fact secret health benefiters. Oh yes.
Did you know:
- Pumpkins contain up to 3g of fibre, so a handful of seeds or mashed up pumpkin every day sets you on a good path to reaching your fibre goals. Also, eating pumpkin can make you feel fuller for longer as it slows down digestion and regulates blood sugar levels – win!
- Pumpkins are rich in amino acid which converts into serotonin - science lesson right here! That is the “feel good” neurotransmitter that we use to wind down and settle of a night – which then helps you doze off. So, grab another handful of seeds or nibble a bit of pumpkin pie in the evening.
- Serotonin deficiency is rife, but it’s a primary defence against depression and anxiety. A simple way to ensure that our body is producing natural serotonin is to ensure we eat enough foods with amino acids (back on that science lesson). Pumpkin will help keep you feeling bright and chirpy.
- We all have one. And an increased fibre intake can help protect you from heart disease. Something we feel should be avoided by all.
- Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and cancerous prostates usually have a lot less zinc compared to healthy ones. Pumpkins are rich in zinc and can contain up to 2mg per ounce, so pumpkin should be making its way into every man’s diet to improve prostate health.
- Just like carrots can help you see in the dark, pumpkins keep your eyesight sharp. A cup of pumpkin in any form - soup, squash, seeds - will meet your daily Vitamin A requirements which is integral to your vision.
There are so many different ways you can get pumpkin into your diet and this is the best time of year to introduce it. While you are carving your pumpkins, rinse and dry the seeds, sprinkle your favourite seasoning onto them and roast for 15 minutes. Make a soup out of some of the scraped-out pumpkin, or even add it into cookie mixture and make some pumpkin cookies. Plus, there are always stews, casseroles, porridge, or even raw chunks of pumpkin to nibble on.
Pumpkins - not just for Halloween, but for life.
