November
2007
Pump Up Your Health with Pumpkin
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This week’s Smart Fuel: Pumpkin
Pumpkin is one of nature’s richest sources of the antioxidant beta carotene. Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A by the body and plays an important role in many vital functions. This plant carotenoid is what gives pumpkins their lush orange coloring. Compelling current research suggests that beta carotene is a powerful tool against cancer and heart disease. Today we’re featuring pumpkin as our smart fuel of choice because of its combined antioxidant value and low sugar content. At only 49 calories and 9 net carbs per generous cup, this vitamin-rich squash is high in fiber, as well. Pumpkin contains many trace minerals, including over 560 milligrams of potassium. A banana contains roughly 450 milligrams. (In other words, you can go bananas for pumpkin.)
Look out for a healthy and savory pumpkin recipe from Aaron this afternoon!
Further Reading:
Foods That Can Reduce the Pain of Arthritis
16 Powerful Foods That Belong in Your Diet
Photo Credit:
Technorati Tags: smart fuel, pumpkin, squash, starch, carb, low carb, lose weight, vegetarian
Pump up your health with pumpkin or its squash cousins butternut, buttercup, acorn, delicata, golden nugget, hubbard, spaghetti, and kabocha. Squash is so easy! Small ones like delicata and acorn can be eaten out of shell. Toast the seeds for a ten minutes on low heat, sprinkle with seasoning, and you’ll have a nice snack for the next day.
Cook’s Thesaurus has a nice collection of photos and descriptions of edible gourds:
http://www.foodsubs.com/Squash.html
Sonagi: I ate butternut squash for the first time about two months ago–now it’s a staple! I’m looking forward to expanding that. Thanks for the link.