Thought to originate from North America, Cucurbita pepo are the common orange round Pumpkins we normally have at Thanksgiving and Halloween, but there are other species, such as C. moshchata, sugar pumpkins, and C. maxima that is grown for “Giant Pumpkin” contests, and can weigh more than 1 ton in weight!
Pumpkins are grown for a number of different uses around the world in all continents except for Antarctica.
They are fun to carve for Halloween, and delicious in pies during Thanksgiving, but they are also good for your health when consumed!
As you might imagine with their orange color, Pumpkins are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A in your body.
Pumpkins are also good sources of the other antioxidant Vitamins C and Vitamin E, and for this reason, Pumpkins are good for the skin and complexion.
Pumpkins are also a good source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin, antioxidant phytochemicals that also promote eye and brain health.
The leaves and flowers are edible and enjoyed in cuisines such as Korean and Indian cuisine.
Pumpkin seeds are also edible and used medicinally. In men, Pumpkin seed extract has been found to reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in clinical studies.
Beyond BPH, Pumpkin seeds have also been found to inhibit kidney stone formation, as well as exhibit hypoglycemic, anticancer, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, antilipemic, gynoprotective and anthelmintic activities…and no, drinking Pumpkin lattes is not the same thing as consuming real pumpkin!
As some believe the veil between the supernatural world and our normal reality to become thinnest on Halloween, Jack-O-Lanterns were customarily carved and placed in front of houses to keep the bad spirits away.
When carving Pumpkins or preparing for food, be sure to save the seeds, cover with salt and pepper and then bake in the oven until browned—they are delicious!
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
The Pumpkin: Gratitude for Nature’s Gifts
