This is the season where the humble pumpkin gets star status all over the world. It suddenly becomes the most sought-after fruit since it’s Halloween time. Yes, the pumpkin you always thought was a vegetable is actually a fruit! Do you know the significance of the pumpkin during Halloween? This tradition of carving faces into vegetables goes way back to the Celts, though they used turnips and squash, in the beginning, to place a light to light the way to their homes for the good spirits and keep the evil spirits away. It was only later when they immigrated to America and found pumpkins in plenty, they started carving the pumpkins for light. Besides being carved into Jack O’Lanterns during Halloween, the pumpkin is a very nutritious food and has huge health benefits. From pancakes, theplas, stews, and soups etc. it can be eaten in many ways and so can the pumpkin seeds. Here’s why you should include the pumpkin in your diet:
Fiber
It’s one of the best sources of fiber, especially the seeds. The seeds can be roasted and eaten whole or dried and ground into a powder into a dry chutney.
Vitamins
Pumpkins are rich in Vitamin A which is essential for our eyesight and also acts as an antioxidant.Besides boosting our vision, it also helps keep our teeth and bones strong and gives our skin that healthy glow. Iron Once you are done eating the pumpkin save the seeds as they are a great source of iron. Not only that they are also rich in manganese, zinc and monosaturated fat.
Energy
It takes just one helping of cooked, baked or pureed pumpkin to give you that much needed extra energy! Add pumpkins to your breakfast and feel energetic all day.
There are many ways to turn the pumpkin into exciting and scrumptious dishes other than Cinderella’s carriage! Do it for a healthier life.
