Now that Halloween is rolling around this weekend, you’ve probably got pumpkins on your mind. Whether because you see them all around, considering Autumn is pumpkin time, and North America is where pumpkins originated. Or because you’re gearing up for some pumpkin carving sessions, as part of the holiday fun. You may have overlooked just how nutritious pumpkins are to your health, opposed to just the fun they offer this season.
Pumpkins are actually another one of those foods that is spectacular for you health wise. You may not have even thought about it, but pumpkins offer a variety of healthy benefits. Most of those being antioxidants. The meaty part of a pumpkin contains a variety of antioxidants that do everything from eliminate free radicals to clear out your veins lowering your cholesterol.
Pumpkins also contain plenty of zinc which strengthens your bones by helping to fend off osteoporosis. Pumpkins also have plenty of fiber, which functions to clear out your entire system, from your intestines, to your veins. Fiber clears everything up, and pumpkins offer plenty of great healthy fiber.
But it’s not just the pumpkin meat that’s fantastically good for you, don’t discard how important the seeds are. Pumpkins are very high in lean healthy protein. Pumpkin seeds are also known to contain plenty of iron, magnesium, copper, and plenty of zinc. All of which are important for your body to soak up in the appropriate amounts.
Pumpkins seeds also are high in phytosterols, which are like a form of healthy cholesterol that can actually help to aid in reducing harmful cholesterol within the body. Pumpkin seed oil is actually full of these healthy fatty acids, and are a great place to turn for them. So don’t underestimate what that pumpkin can do for you. And when you’re carving one up with the family, save the seeds and try baking them for a tasty, and very healthy snack.
Tags: Autumn, Bones, Cholesterol, Copper, Entire System, Fatty Acids, Free Radicals, Healthy Snack, Holiday Fun, Intestines, Lowering Cholesterol, Lowering Your Cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Phytosterols, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Pumpkin Seeds, Pumpkin Time, Pumpkins, Veins, Zinc