Pumpkin - Health Benefits

The humble pumpkin has several health benefits which are not known to many. A cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

• Pumkins are very commonly used in alternative natural healing and detoxification.Qing Dynasty famous doctor Chen Xiuyuan said: "The pumpkin is excellent foods of blood tonic."
• Pumpkins are anti-inflammatory, anti-helminthic and anti-parasitic.
• Controls hypertension - It may also prevent and control hypertension and diabetes.
• Weight loss - Since pumpkin is a low-caloried and fuller food it promotes lower weight, healthy complexion and increased energy.
• Eye care - The carotenoids and Vitamins in the pumpkin are helpful for eye health. Taking three or more servings per day has shown to decrease the risk of and progression of age-related macular degeneration.
• Promotes Fertility - Pumpkin promotes fertility.
• Improves Immunity.
• Cancer - According to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health's Department of Nutrition. Pumpkin is helpful in preventing cancers like prostate cancer and colon cancer.
• Skin health - If you are looking for a soft skin pumpkin is a good answer. It soothes and softens your skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, Pumpkin facial masks, moisturizers and peels nourish your skin and promote the absorption of these nutrients. Pumkin is rich in essential vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy and radiant skin. Since Pumpkins are rich in antitoxidants with Beta-carotene, Alpha-carotene and other carotenoids they help in improving skin texture.
• Pumpkin works against Acne - Pumpkin contains the acne fighting vitamins E and T, more commonly known as torulitine. Face masks with pumpkin pulp reduces pore size, controlling excess oil and preventing pimple formation, blackheads and blemishes.

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies, supplements or starting a new health regime.

Pumpkin can be used to prepare delicious recipes.

Pumpkin Curry

Pumpkin - 250 gms

Tur dal - 100 gms

Coconut scrappings - 1 cup

Green chillies - 3

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Chilly powder - 1 1/2 tsp

Cumin - 1/4 tsp

Salt - as required

Preparation

Pressure cook the dal till it is smooth. Add pumpkin pieces, green chillies cut vertically, turmeric powder and chillie powder. Again pressure cook for about 5 minutes. Grind coconut with cumin seeds into a paste, and add to the gravy. Season it with mustard seeds, one red chilly and curry leaves.

This tasty recipe can be served with rice and chapathi.

Pumpkin with Yogurt

Follow the same method above, but without dal. When pumpkin is cooked with green chillies, chilly powder, turmeric powder and salt, with less water, add the coconut paste. Add 1 cup yogurt and bring it to half boil. Season it with mustard seeds as above.

This is also a very tasty recipe.

The easiest way to use them is to roast them with little salt.

Another method is smear them with olive oil or any other cooking oil and add salt and any spice of your choice. Mix well and roast it until it is golden and crispy.

Pumpkin skin - 100 gms

Channa dal - 1 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

Coriander seeds - 1/2 tsp

Red chillies - 3

Coconut - 4 tbsp.

Tamarind - a small piece

Jaggery - a small piece

Asafoetida - 1/4 tsp.

Oil - 1 tsp

Salt - to taste

Preparation

Roast pumpkin skin in a pan with 1 tsp. oil for about 5-8 minutes.

Add the remaining ingredients and fry till they become golden brown.

When they are cooled grind it well.

The yummy chutney can be consumed with rice or chapathi.

Pumpkin leaves are also used in many places as recipes. Tender leaves of pumpkin are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and no cholesterol. They are also rich in iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, which promotes a healthier skin and in turn slows down the aging of the skin. Because of the tremendous health benefits, pumpkin leaves are used regularly in West Africa where it is called Ugu.

Pumpkin leaves are used in Kerala as thoran.

Few Pumpkin leaves (tender ones only)

One onion

3 green chillies

2 tbs coconuts

one pinch cumin seeds

Salt to taste

Preparation

In a bowl, add the chopped pumpkin leaves, green chillies, finely chopped onions, salt, jeera and crushed coconut. Blends them well with the hand and keep aside. Keep a pan on the stove with a spoon of oil and add mustard seeds to splutter. Add curry leave and then add the mixed pumpkin leaves. Add just a handful of water and cover it. Cook in slow fire for few minutes. Then your yummy pumpkin leaves thoran will be ready.

https://www.dermalinstitute.com/us/news/?p=1638

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/21/health/health-benefits-of-pumpkin/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/04/pumpkin-health-benefits_n_1936919.html

http://www.wellnesstoday.com/beauty/the-powerful-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-healthy-skin-and-hair

http://www.naij.com/392013-10-health-benefits-of-pumpkin-leaves-ugwu.html

http://www.pavispassion.com/2014/01/pumpkin-skin-chutney-parangikai-thol.html

http://sennyong.blogspot.in/2010/02/dont-throw-away-pumpkin-skin-and-seeds.html

http://food.sify.com/vegrecipes/category/chutneys_sauces_jam_and_pickles/chutneys_and_sauces/Pumpkin_Skin_Chutney-141655