If you are looking to add more nutrition to your diet, look no further than pumpkins. These large orange squash are chock full of beta-carotene just like carrots, tomatoes and other similar colored fruit and vegetables. Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and calcium. The seeds from pumpkins are full of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids that we need to maintain our health.
Calorie for calorie, pumpkins pack in a lot of nutrition. The fiber in this seasonal food will also temper your appetite so you do not overeat. Fiber is also good for the health of your bowels. Potassium, another important nutrient, is abundant in pumpkins.
In order to carry oxygen to your cells, your red blood cells use iron. Pumpkins help supply your daily-recommended requirement of this important mineral. Zinc will help prevent osteoporosis, a degenerative condition of the spine and hips. This mineral is also important in maintaining the health of your reproductive system, especially in maintaining fertility and sperm motility.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are important compounds found in pumpkin that help neutralize the free radicals that can damage the lenses in your eyes. This can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts as you get older. Isn’t it amazing that this simple vegetable can protect your eyes, your bones, and your reproductive system? It is also good for your skin. How many vegetables can do all this and still taste great in both sweet and savory dishes?
Want more ways to add this food to your menu? Maybe you are looking for a recipe for pumpkin soup. This easy meal can be made with fresh or canned pumpkin. Both versions are healthy and provide many of the nutrients your body needs. Soup can be made so it is low in calories, or you can add cream and other luscious ingredients to make it truly elegant. Who knew this rustic vegetable could offer so much?
Adding pumpkin to your meals provides you with all these great nutrients in one easy package. This overlooked source of nutrition is highly under appreciated. Do not use pumpkins just to decorate for Halloween or to make dessert during the holidays. Place the pumpkin out for everyone to see as a delicious food source.
One of pumpkin’s best attributes is its versatility. It lends itself to both sweet and savory dishes with ease. You can add pumpkin to your meals several times per month using various dishes and you will never get tired of it. This vegetable deserves a higher placing at our table than to be used as a bowl. Try some pumpkin soup, pumpkin pancakes, or pumpkin bread.
Once you have added more pumpkin to your diet, you will wonder what you did without this delicious vegetable. You will notice that you begin to feel and look better because you are providing your body with important nutrients that it needs. Pumpkin provides you with stronger bones, helps maintain your figure and keeps your insides working properly. Not bad for a holiday decoration.
An easy canned pumpkin soup recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavor of pumpkin all year long. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special tools to make this delicious creamy soup. Once you taste pumpkin this way, you’ll wonder what all the hoopla is about pumpkin pie.
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