A staple around the holidays, let’s explore this nutritional powerhouse that is pumpkin. A member of the Cucurbita family, including squash and cucumbers, pumpkin gets its name from the Greek word “pepon” for large melon. Seeds (pepitas) from related plants have been found in Mexico, dating back over 7000 years to 5500 B.C.

Pumpkins are chock full of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers. Pumpkins are also loaded with potassium, and zinc and are high in fiber.

Pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses as well, and can be beneficial for people with kidney, prostate and gallbladder problems. They also help remove parasites from the intestines, and are a natural anti-inflammatory. Pumpkin seeds are high in protein, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper and essential fatty acids.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at 10:29 am and is filed under Food Focus. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.