PUMPKIN

      Pumpkin, the fruit of several types of pumpkins - such as Cucurbita pepo, C. moschata and C. maxima - of the cucurbitaceae family, is usually characterized by a hard orange peel with distinctive grooves. Pumpkins are usually grown for human consumption, decoration, and also as animal feed. 

 

Description : 

     Pumpkins, which produce very long annual vines, are planted singly or in two or three small mounds about 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) apart. Botanically, pumpkins are a type of berry known as pepo. They are usually large, 4-8 kg (9-18 pounds) or more, although some varieties are very small. The largest pumpkins are the C. maxima variety and can weigh 34 kg (75 pounds) or more; The most massive pumpkin ever grown weighed over 907 kg (2,000 pounds). Pumpkins are often yellowish to orange in color and range from flat to round to oval; some have white crust. The bark is smooth and usually slightly grooved or ribbed. The fruit stalks are hard and woody, grooved and slanted. The fruits ripen in early fall and can be stored for several months in a dry place well above low temperatures. 

 

Nutrition :

1 Cup Of Pumpkin Cubes Provide :

• Calories : 137
• Protein : 3gm
• Fat : 7gm
• Carbs : 19gm
• Fiber : 7gm

Vitamin & Minerals :

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Riboflavin
• Copper
• Magnesium
• Potassium 

 

Benefits : 

Increase Beta Carotene :
     Just like their orange cousins, carrots and sweet potatoes, pumpkins are high in beta-carotene. Your body converts this antioxidant into vitamin A. You need vitamin A to protect germs and your reproductive system to function properly. It also helps maintain a healthy heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.

Sharpen Your Vision :
     One cup of pumpkin can provide you with 200% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. When you get it, your eyes will thank you. Vitamin A helps you have healthy eyes and see more clearly, especially in low light.

Limit Cancer Risk :
     Kicking pumpkin with vitamin A also has another great meaning: a reduced risk of certain types of cancer such as lung or prostate cancer. Studies show that this benefit only occurs when you eat foods that contain vitamin A. Vitamin A supplements alone will not provide you with the same level of protection.

Boost Your Immunity :
     In addition to beta-carotene, pumpkin provides vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and folic acid – all of which boost your immune system. More pumpkin in your diet can help your immune cells work better to keep out germs and speed healing when you're sick.

Helps With High Blood Pressure :
     The pumpkin's deep orange color is also a sign that it is full of potassium. This is important for lowering blood pressure. Unsalted pumpkin seeds are also packed with minerals and plant sterols that increase HDL cholesterol (the “good” look) and also help lower blood pressure.

Trim Your Belly :
     Pumpkin is high in fiber and low in calories. This means that you will feel full without increasing your total food intake for the day. If you're looking for a healthy way of loading, nutrient-dense pumpkin is a great choice. An increase in fiber in your diet also improves digestive health, so what is ingested comes out regularly.

Sleep Healthier :
     Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin not only makes you feel good, it is also an important factor in getting a good night's sleep.

Soothe Skin :
     The antioxidant power of beta-carotene in pumpkin counteracts the effects of skin aging. It also helps reduce inflammation, which makes your skin - and your body - calmer and happier.

Help Your Heart :
     Your chances of developing heart disease decrease as your fiber intake increases, and pumpkin becomes loaded with it. It's not just fiber that keeps you energized: Vitamin A and potassium, which you get when you add pumpkin to your diet, also play a role in heart health.