History Information
- A pumpkin is really a squash. It is a member of the Cucurbita family which includes squash and cucumbers.
- Pumpkins are grown all over the world on six of the seven continents, with Antarctica being the sole exception. They are even grown in Alaska.
- Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America. Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico, dating back over 7000 years to 5500 B.C.
- Native American Indians used pumpkin as a staple in their diets centuries before the pilgrims landed.
- Early settlers made pumpkin pie by filling a hollowed out shell with milk, honey and spices, then baking it.
- Halloween evolved, in part, from the Celtic tradition of All Hallow's Eve.
- Pumpkin carving evolved from the traditions of this annual event.
- Not only is it associated with the meal itself, but the pumpkin has adorned and decorated homes and communities in honor of this event for hundreds of years.
- Pumpkin leaves were also used in salads.
- Pumpkins are rich in Vitamin A and potassium. They are also high in fiber.
- Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
- Pumpkin flowers are edible.
- Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas.
Benefits
- They were once recommended as a cure for freckles.
- They were used as a remedy for snake bites.
- The seeds help avoid prostate cancer in men.
- Pumpkin keeps your whole body healthy by building your immunity.
- Eating pumpkins help to keep the skin and eyes healthy.
- Plus there is a lot of dietary fiber in Pumpkin.
- A number of facial and anti-wrinkle cremes include pumpkins.
- Pumpkins have zero cholesterol, zero...
- Pumpkins contain beta carotene which helps to reduce certain types of cancer and lowers the risk of heart disease.
- Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.
- Pumpkin also has another carotenoid, beta-cryptoxanthin, which may decrease the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate prevention, eating a handful (about 1 ounce) of shelled pumpkin seeds three times a week is recommended.
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits in Arthritis.
- Pumpkins contains lots of anti-oxidant vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and alpha-hydroxy-acids which helps to reduce the signs of aging.
- Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is good for building the immune system.
- They also contain fatty acids that kill parasites.
- Preventing the formation of cataract in eyes.
- Keeps the heart beat healthy and also reduces chances of hypertension.
- Improves bone density.
- Recommended to people suffering from gastroenteric diseases.
- Helps in curing the ulcer scars faster.
- Have been used since ancient days to treat various parasite infections and kidney problems.
Resources:
http://www.pumpkinnook.com/facts.htm#about
http://ezinearticles.com/?Pumpkin-Nutritional-Benefits&id=3249161
http://www.hsgpurchasing.com/Articles/pumpkin.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/pumpkins3.htm
http://hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Pumpkin
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