Halloween is around the corner, and the decorations have hit the yards in preparation for the trick-or-treaters. We hope you’ll join us for our pumpkin carving extravaganza on October 25th! But while we all get ready to break out the pumpkin carving tools, did you know that there are MANY ways a pumpkin can be used, from soups and salads to muffins, smoothies and breads…and even better, they are incredibly healthy?!
Here’s some interesting health benefits of pumpkins:
- Did you know that 1/2 cup of boiled pumpkin contains the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A for children? Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining your body’s natural defenses. This includes the mucous barriers in your eyes, lungs, gut and genitals which help trap bacteria and other infectious agents.
- They are one of the best known sources of the anti-oxidant beta-carotene. Several studies have shown that antioxidants through diet help people’s immune systems, protect against free radicals, and lower the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
- Pumpkins are very high in potassium, which is known to help lower blood pressure!
But let’s not stop there – even the seeds are great (also known as pepitas)! For example, 1/4 cups of pumpkin seeds have nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which is important for pumping your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, and relaxation of your blood vessels. And did you know that the oil of pumpkin seeds also have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping with arthritis?
So be sure to check out some creative ways to eat pumpkin with your little ones, and we’ll see you on the 25th for our annual pumpkin carving!
