So many reasons to love the pumpkin. Pumpkin is a nutrition powerhouse, that originated in North America and is over 7,000 years old. It is packed with beta-carotene, canned pumpkin can contain over 70,000 I.U.  You definitely want to include all parts of this superfood into your diet, the seeds, the flesh, and the oil!

Dr. Cass Ingram states in his book “Supermarket Remedies” the Top Pumpkin Cures! Here are just 4 reasons your body will be happier with some added pumpkin into your diet.

• Lung Health: With all that beta carotene it is an ideal food for healing damaged lungs. Beta carotene is needed for the utilization of oxygen in the lungs. So say yes to pumpkin at least once a week.
• Skin Health: Beta Carotene is needed for healthy skin cells, so the pumpkin can totally benefit any skin issues, like acne, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
• Heart Health: The minerals and beta carotene nourish the heart and blood vessels.
• Digestive Health: Vitamin A is required for the regeneration of the cells which line the intestinal tract as well as the stomach. Veterinarians recommend canned pumpkin for dogs and cats experiencing digestive ailments, like constipation, diarrhea, and hairballs.

Those above benefits are just the flesh of the pumpkin. There are so many more benefits when including the seeds and the oil.

Pumpkin seeds are full of minerals, especially zinc! They also contain essential fatty acids, vitamin E and a mix of B vitamins. People have been using pumpkin seeds as a natural treatment for intestinal worms, and prostate health with great results. They are a good source of protein and a great balance of amino acids.

Research suggests pumpkin seed oil can prevent and reverse hair loss, ease menopause symptoms, improve prostate and heart health, and treat an overactive bladder. Nourishing the breast, ovaries, prostate, and bladder and is highly recommended for pregnant and nursing moms. The oil is an excellent source of zinc, iron, vitamin E and niacin. DO NOT HEAT this oil!!  Include in your salad dressings, which is my favorite way of adding this oil to my diet, so delicious!!!  You can also add a tablespoon or two to any soups before eating – add after cooking and once you have served into your individual soup bowl. Just drizzle it on top, YUM!

Of course, my favorite way of eating pumpkin is a nice pumpkin pie! So if you would like to try my keto, diabetic friendly pumpkin pie custard, click here for the recipe!  But please continue to check back, we will be adding more recipes, that include this wonderful superfood!