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Pumpkins play a small part in many diets, but they become famous one night every year – the festival of Halloween. As Halloween, celebrated on the last night of October, passes the pumpkin is made inconspicuous like last season’s fashion trend. Nutritionally the pumpkin is worth more than a show piece. It belongs to the squash family and exists in many varieties. The blue pumpkin is common (skin is bluish tinged) and white pumpkin (white, cream-skin  colour). Be careful when dicing up the blue pumpkin as it has a tough skin. Nutritionally pumpkins excel in supplying good vitamin E levels and beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A). These two nutrients help fight away diseases due to their unique roles and antioxidant abilities. Pumpkin peel can be cooked and eaten if wanted. The pulp is easily boiled and can be made into a soft puree, which is easily digested. Babies over six months and the elderly may regularly benefit from that incorporation into the diet as less chewing is required. Adding some fenugreek seeds or spices and herbs can save one from the bland taste. Sometimes, if you have the fortune, a deep orange pulp delivers a sweet taste. Pumpkin soup with other ingredients can be cooked up to personal likes. Whole pumpkin (a hole should be cut into the core to prevent pumpkin explosion) can be baked or microwaved. When our electricity is costing a bundle or is unavailable, try barbecued pumpkin, for a different low calorie treat. Remember when the story presents us with the hidden treasure; it usually is hidden somewhere and needs to be dug out. Well what do we know but the pumpkin has a deeper nutritional treasure within its core – the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are mostly fat but then again they are the essential healthy fats. They are high in zinc, which has known application for immune support and reproductive health.  These highly nutritious seeds are a valuable component to aid fertility. Supplements of zinc have been applied therapeutically in clinical trials to show their roles in immunity, growth and many other aspects of health. Folk lore originally recognised the link of pumpkin seeds to fertility. Today alternative therapists often recommend the seeds for BPH (benign prostrate hypertrophy). BPH affects a high proportion of males over 50 years of age. Symptoms include the urge to urinate, resulting in restless sleep, incomplete bladder emptying and distress. Medical diagnosis is needed and there are good herbal supplements to help some BPH patients. The high levels of zinc in pumpkin seeds can boost one’s prospect of successful pregnancy along with a healthy lifestyle. As BPH and infertility have been linked to low essential fatty acids and zinc levels, pumpkin seeds are officious. The pumpkin may only be on the ‘cat walk’ once a year, but it certainly is not just a pretty, scary face. Anastacia Sampson D.N. Med |