PUMP UP YOUR HEALTH —Keerthana Venkatesh

The over 7,000-year-old pumpkin is best known for its medicinal qualities and is an all-important ingredient in the cuisines of vegetarians the world over. Such has been its popularity for its health benefits that natives of Mexico have been known to have made mats out of it to heal skin diseases. Hailing from the Cucurbita family, pumpkins are rich in carotenoids, which not only give them that bright orange colour, but also help remove free radicals in the body, prevent premature aging and cardiovascular diseases. In fact, the presence of Vitamin A, lutein and zeaxa nthin in the pumpkin protects eye tissues and prevents cataract, besides boosting immunity.      The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities of beta carotene in pumpkins has been well known for ages. The Yuma tribals of Arizona have for long been using an emulsion of pumpkin seeds to treat wounds.  In fact, it has been found that a regular consumption of pumpkin seeds can reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. In China, the same pumpkin is used to treat infections caused by parasites, like the tapeworm.     Pumpkins are also high on Vitamin C which help produce collagen that works towards enhancing immunity and preventing cancer. The potassium and zinc found in pumpkins is said to prevent cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, enhance bone density and improve reproductive health. It has been found that brewing tea with the ground stem of a pumpkin helps reduce menstrual distress as well.     The flesh of the pumpkin has high fibre content which makes it extremely effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, lowering cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar levels in the body.Besides, eating 5-10 grams of pumpkin seeds everyday stimulates the kidneys and prevents formation of kidney stones. This is an age old remedy that has been practised for generations by the Catawabas tribals for kidney support, while the Menominees tribals used diluted pumpkin squash to cure urinary problems.     Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of protein. In fact, pumpkin seed oil has phytosterols that is similar to cholesterol, but much safer. A regular and proper intake helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body.They, in fact, improve skin health and power the brain. Many herbal remedies suggest the consumption of one cup of pumpkin seeds everyday to prevent wrinkling and to keep the skin nourished and hydrated,while the flesh of the pumpkin acts as a diuretic, flushing out toxins from the body. Also, regular consumption of pumpkin helps de-worm the intestines.     These seeds are also rich in essential fatty acids that help prevent high blood pressure, arthritis and cancer, especially prostate cancer.Studies have found that phytosterols shrink the prostate and protect testosterone from transforming into dihydrotestosterone that causes prostate gland enlargement.     Magnesium is another important mineral found in pumpkins that helps in proper biological functioning, including maintaining the health of teeth and bones. A HAPPY FRUIT Lift your spirit with the pumpkin! The L-tryptophan in the pumpkin flesh helps trigger a feeling of happiness, joy and well-being. So make the pumpkin a part of your daily diet and spread the joy of healthy living! NUTRITION CHART (1/2 cup of cooked pumpkin) Carotenoids - 6,012 micrograms Carbohydrates 6 mg Sodium 1 mg Niacin 1 mg Vitamin A 6,115 IU Vitamin C 6 mg Calcium 18 mg Potassium 282 mg Protein 1 gm Dietary friber 1 gm Total calories 24