Superfoods: Pumpkin

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A little bit of History:

Native Americans consumed pumpkins for their highly-valued nutritious and medicinal qualities and the vegetable was introduced to Europe by explorers of the New World.

Benefits:

The orange flesh of pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. The seeds of this vegetable have many health benefits, packed with full of minerals such as magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc (the latter of which is helpful to acne sufferers), as well as being a good source of protein and mono-saturated fat.

Tips:

  • Refrigerate pumpkin seed in an air-tight container to keep them edible for months
  • Pan fry pumpkin seed in good quality oil and store them in an air-tight container to sprinkle over vegetables and salads instead of salt
  • Don’t throw the contents of your Jack O’Lantern pumpkin away, use it to make a delicious soup
  • Create a tasty, slightly savory dessert by making homemade pumpkin pie
  • If you want to try a salad with a difference, make a dressing with ground pumpkin seeds, garlic and parsley
  • Cut pumpkin slices into big chunks with the skin on, sprinkle with some garlic and herbs, put them in an oven on medium to high temperature  until soft on the inside and a bit of texture on the outside. — My favorite —

 

Do you have any favorite pumpkin recipes? or other cool tips on this superfood?

 

Related Posts: 

Superfood Index

 

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Category : Superfoods
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