Its that time of the year when we should be taking advantage of the pumpkin season and it should be noted that pumpkin is surprisingly very healthy. If you haven\u2019t noticed the Starbucks pumpkin craze is becoming huge and doesn\u2019t seem to be slowing down. The successful pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks started it all in 2003.<\/p>\n
Substitute your side of mashed potatoes with mashed pumpkin. Mashed pumpkin contains a whopping 3 grams of fiber per cup and has additional benefits. Pumpkin is can help regulate your blood pressure for a healthier heart. Among the fiber, potassium and vitamin C content all support healthy heart.<\/p>\n
Pumpkin seeds also contain nutrients like copper to manganese, protein and zinc. The seeds are also high in fiber and give you that boost intake relatively quickly. With a simple cup of pumpkin seeds you can quickly consume half of the recommended daily intake of magnesium.<\/p>\n
\nMagnesium<\/strong>\u00a0is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the\u00a0body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation [1-3].\u00a0Magnesium<\/strong>\u00a0is required for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. Read more<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Fights off and protects you from prostate cancer<\/strong><\/h3>\n
A study also found that pumpkin could improve prostate cancer health in men. Pumpkin seeds for example are highly rich in zinc content, which plays a role in prostate health; you prostate cells collect the most zinc then any other cell in the body. Zinc plays a huge role in your immune system and even helps reduce\/limit prostate growth. A study done on pumpkin seed oil showed the beneficial properties that aid to block testosterone\/prazosin-induced prostate growth.<\/p>\n
Boosts your immune system<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pumpkin also contains beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and other positive impacts on the body. The natural orange hue in the pumpkin shows the ample supply of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin a by the body to help it fights off infections and viruses. Pumpkin also contains vitamin c that helps reduce and fight off colds<\/p>\n
Helps your eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Furthermore Beta-carotene, also found in carrots, helps with your eyesight. It helps with the way your retina absorbs and processes light, keeping your eyesight sharp!<\/p>\n
Calms your nerves and anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pumpkin also helps your calm your anxiety and nerves that lead to a better sleep. Its able to do this because of its tryptophan content, an amino acid that is converted by the body into serotonin. Serotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter that helps you feel good.<\/p>\n
Protects your skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Beta-carotene also helps protect our skin from the sun’s UV rays.\u00a0The contents of vitamin e, selenium, zinc and acids help with anti-aging. It also gives your skin a natural and healthy orange hue. If you would like to fully take advantage you can always create a skin regime and apply it to parts of your body.\u00a0Combine the following ingredients until you get a smooth blend and apply (Can get messy):<\/p>\n
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- 2 teaspoons of pureed pumpkin<\/li>\n
- \u00bd teaspoon raw, organic honey<\/li>\n
- \u00bc teaspoon milk<\/li>\n
- \u00a0\u00bd teaspoon brown sugar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Its that time of the year when we should be taking advantage of the pumpkin season and it should be noted that pumpkin is surprisingly very healthy. If you haven\u2019t noticed the Starbucks pumpkin craze is becoming huge and doesn\u2019t seem to be slowing down. The successful pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks started it all … <\/p>\n