Fuel Up Fridays "The pumpkins are here, the pumpkins are there. The pumpkins, the pumpkins are everywhere!

I bet right now you have a hollowed out pumpkin sitting on your front porch. DO NOT THROW IT OUT! It can still be useful I promise!
Pumpkin refers to certain cultivars of squash, that are round, with smooth, slightly ribbed skin and deep yellow to orange coloration. The thick shell contains the seeds and pulp. Pumpkins, like other squash, are native to North America. Pumpkins are widely grown for commercial use, and are used both in food and recreation. Pumpkin pie, for instance, is a traditional part of Thanksgiving meals, although commercially canned pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie fillings are usually made from different kinds of winter squash than the pumpkins frequently carved as jack o'lanterns for decoration around Halloween.

The Benefits Of Eating Pumpkin (from MindBodyGreen.com)


1. Pumpkins are an antioxidant and an anti inflammatory food. This means it helps with joint health, organ health, stress relief and soft tissue injuries.
2. Pumpkins can help protect the eyes from cataracts and degeneration with their Vitamin A content.
3. The high levels of Vitamin C help the immune system and encourages collagen production for the skin to maintain its beautiful glow and elasticity.
4. Pumpkin is a great source of fiber to help wash out any toxins and keep your body running smoothly.
5. Pumpkins hold enough carotids to give them their lovely orange color and help prevent premature aging and cardiovascular disease.
6. Pumpkin seeds are high in protein and plant based fatty acids, which help regulate cholesterol levels, protect against arthritis, promote healthy skin, and improve brain function.
7. The pulp and the seeds are rich in magnesium required for bone and tooth health.
8. Pumpkin contains lots of potassium and zinc to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease and hypertension (high blood pressure). Zinc is also great for the immune system, skin and fertility.
9. The fruit contains L tryptophan, a chemical compound that triggers feelings of well being that aid depression in a smooth and natural way.

So maybe we need to think of pumpkin for more than just jack o-lanterns and pumpkin pie! I love the article posted below about ways to use your pumpkins - many of which are suitable for post Halloween fun! Thank you Earth 911!

Uses For Your Pumpkin After Halloween


So don't waste that precious orange fruit that is grinning away on your porch. Happy Halloween!

FIND YOUR CORE