Dr. Helen Lee, a chiropractor, offers the following nutritional benefits of pumpkin and its seeds.
1. Vitamins: Pumpkin and its seeds contain nutrients such as vitamin C, E, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, both beta & alpha carotenoids (antioxidants which help prevent cell damage), and lutein (supports healthy eyes).
2. Organ Health: The nutrients in pumpkin and its seeds help support kidney, bladder, and prostate health.
3. Sickness Prevention: Helps minimize osteoporosis, increases digestive health by helping with parasites & tapeworms, and lowers cholesterol.
4. Protein: Pumpkin seeds are high in protein.
5. General Benefits: Pumpkin seeds help the body get rid of parasites and other unwelcome digestive inhabitants, and contain healthy essential fatty acid oils.
For a new twist on pumpkin cuisine, try this delicious soup!
PEANUT BUTTER PUMPKIN SOUP
4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 cups canned pumpkin
2 cups cooked pureed sweet potatoes
1 cup smooth peanut butter
6 cups chicken stock
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. salt
Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Melt butter over medium heat in a soup pot. Add pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter. Stir. Add the chicken stock, pepper, and salt and stir well until smooth. Reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes. Before serving, garnish with chives and sour cream. Makes 8 servings.
