Pumpkins, please!
Most of you already knew that pumpkins are fun to decorate and even tastier
to eat. But did you know they are also good for your health? I didn’t. A few days ago I made
some pumpkin rolls and I had a little extra canned pumpkin. Upon researching recipes to
use the rest of the pumpkin, I stumbled across a few articles stating the various ways eating pumpkin can improve our health. As always, I’m here to share that knowledge.
Diving into the articles, I was shocked at how many different things pumpkins can do for
our bodies. It’s amazing how one simple fruit (Yes, pumpkins are fruits. Weird, I know.) can
benefit so many of our body’s systems simultaneously. This super fruit helps our digestive
system, nervous system, circulatory system, and finally, our immune system.
Because pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, it aids in healthy digestion and helps things come
out smoother, if you know what I mean. Foods rich in fiber benefit us because they keep us
fuller longer, which can aid in weight loss. Save this tip for after Thanksgiving dinner.
Pumpkins also contain a large amount of potassium. Fiber and potassium both contribute
to better heart health. Increasing your potassium intake has also been proven to lower
blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke. Next week I’ll cover healthy blood pressure
ranges and how you can improve your numbers.
Finally, pumpkins are rich in vitamins A and C. Both vitamins aid in immune protection,
which helps your body fight infections, viruses, and infectious diseases. Pumpkin season
just happens to fall during flu season, so it’s the perfect time to chow down and build your
immunity!
To summarize, consuming pumpkin can benefit your body in a multitude of ways. Whether
it be aiding in digestion or lowering your blood pressure, adding a little pumpkin to your
diet can’t hurt. Plus, it gives you an excuse to treat yourself with a slice of pumpkin pie!
If you’d like to know more about healthy, seasonal foods, contact our Occupational
Therapist and nutritionist Susan Jarrett at 304-265- 1288 or visit our website at
www.GTCHDWV.org.
#nutrition #seasonal #bloodpressure #fiber #digestion #vitamins #healthyliving
