Pumpkin Nutrition 101

While most people are carving pumpkins for decorations, others are reaping the nutritional benefits of this amazing squash. Many health benefits are received through the consumption of pumpkins. You can eat the meat of the pumpkin, the seeds and use the oil pressed from the seeds. All these parts of the pumpkins are tasty and good for you.

Pumpkin seeds are easiest to eat when the hull has been taken off. Some people do enjoy chewing through the white hull, however. Inside this shell, you can find a green seed. Roast them up for a great crunchy snack. You can add pumpkin seeds to salads, snack mixes or you can use them as a garnish. Sprinkle a few on your next bowl of pumpkin soup!

Some areas of the United States enjoy the seeds marinated and roasted. They have been used as a food since the time of the Aztecs in the Americas. In Greece, the seeds are enjoyed in the hull with a little salt.

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc and amino acids. They are useful for preventing urinary tract infections, prostate cancer and to keep the reproductive tract in good working order. Pumpkin seeds are pretty low in calories and are free of cholesterol.

The oil made from pumpkin seeds is full of zinc, vitamins A, E, omega 3, and omega 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are needed to maintain good health. Once the oil is heated, the fatty acids are ruined. Pumpkin seed oil has been in use since 1697. The oil can be used in salad dressings or in desserts. It has a rich flavor that is harmed by browning. The oil can be poured over ice cream to add a nutty quality. You can also use the oil as a top garnish for pumpkin soup.

Pumpkin seed oil is mostly made in Eastern Europe. China makes a type of pumpkin oil from white seeds that are used for cooking or to add flavor to a recipe. The European variety is most often used as a gourmet ingredient. It can be mixed with yogurt, causing the mixture to be a bright green. Depending on the thickness of the oil, it can be a light green or a dark red in the bottle.

As for the flesh of the pumpkin, it is full of all sorts of nutrients. It is so easy to cook with. If you do not have a lot of time, make an easy crockpot pumpkin soup to enjoy at the end of the day. The creaminess of the soup will be comforting after a long hard day. The texture is thick and satisfying. Serve it up with a salad or some crusty bread and you will be full and ready for a relaxing evening.

The lowly pumpkin is surprisingly nutritious. It meets many of the needs we have to remain healthy. Eating all the edible parts of the pumpkin will provide many nutrients that we need. The seeds and oil are a wonderful addition. Add more pumpkin to your diet and see if you do not feel better.

Choosing to serve classic pumpkin soup during the holidays will make you the best hostess around. This delicious soup will set the tone for your entire meal. It is easy to make and your family will absolutely fall in love with it. Try it soon and see.