The Portly Pumpkin
October 29th 2007 02:17
A pumpkin carved for Halloween
My children slap tomato sauce on it, hold their noses and swallow quickly, a look of utter disgust on their faces.
I must admit, I’m not a fan of this tough-skinned vegetable either but at least I don’t hold my nose and drown mine in tomato sauce (I prefer to
So, I can hear you asking, why do you eat it if you don’t really like it?
Because (of course) just like all other fruits and veggies, pumpkin has health benefits that keep our bodies in tip-top shape.
For a start, pumpkins have been found to have phytonutrients that can lower the risk of cell mutations (which can lead to cancer). Studies have shown that juice obtained from pumpkin is equal to the juice from leeks and radishes, two well-known effective anti-cancer vegetables, in preventing cell mutations.
Pumpkins, along with other orange and red fruits and vegetables, have been shown to potentially lower the risk of lung cancer through their high levels of beta-cryptoxanthin. Studies have shown that people who eat a diet high in beta-cryptoxanthin had a 27% reduction in their risk of developing lung cancer. The study also found that current smokers who ate foods high in this compound had a 37% lower risk of developing lung cancer.
Pumpkins growing in a field
The vitamin A in pumpkin can also be beneficial in helping to prevent lung conditions such as inflammation and emphysema. A carcinogen in cigarette smoke has been found to promote a vitamin A deficiency in smokers, potentially leading to emphysema. So a diet rich in vitamin A foods such as pumpkin and carrot can help to ward off the onset of emphysema in smokers and people who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
Vitamin A is also a powerful anti-oxidant which can assist the body to get rid of free radicals which attack the cells leading to cancer. Pumpkin has vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene which can also assist in preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. Oxidised cholesterol can build-up in blood vessels, resulting in a higher risk of heart attack and stroke and may also prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.
Other benefits of a diet rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene) include protection against diabetic heart disease, better regulation of blood sugar levels, lower risk of colon cancer and an easing of the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other nutrients in pumpkin include potassium (useful in lowering blood pressure), fibre and vitamin C, another powerful anti-oxidant.
Pumpkin are also a good source of folate, useful in preventing certain birth defects and reducing the risk of developing colon cancer, particularly in people with a history of alcohol abuse
There is also an extra bonus for men who eat pumpkin regularly. Research has shown that the phytonutrients can help reduce the symptoms of a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, where the prostate gland becomes enlarged causing problems with urinating and sexual function. Eaten in combination with other phytonutrient-rich foods, pumpkin can be even more beneficial than if eaten by itself.
So, you can see why it’s good to include the orange fruits and veggies in your diet on a regular basis … not just on All Hallows Eve.
Now would someone please tell me how to convince my children!
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
I never, ever ate pumpkin (no matter what my mother would say or do) until I met my wife. Then by stealth I was compelled to eat it whenever I journeyed to my mother-in-law to be's place.
In the end I actually figured I liked it. Given that little ramble - you could try making Pumpkin scones for the kids with lashing of butter - they'll never be the wiser.
Cheers
MNG
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Funny you should say that, I have tried pumpkin scones and they aren't too bad. Pumpkin and Cheese Scones go down a treat.
Good to see you looking after your prostate, my friend!!
A.