Pumpkins are considered to be a super-food because of their high content of useful nutrients.
Is raw pumpkin edible and how to eat it, these are two questions that many raw eaters would like to know the answer to.
The vegetable that is actually a fruit, could and should be eaten raw as cooking it may remove some of the nutrients.
Pumpkins are members of Curcubitaceae family that also includes zucchini, gourd, cucumber and squash.
They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals and in addition they contain a large amount of carotenoids – organic pigments with anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.
Excellent source of vitamins and minerals
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of nutrients as they contain lots of minerals and vitamins, including plenty amounts of vitamin C, A, B 6 and E that are essential to health. They are considered to be one of nature’s almost perfect foods.
Their low glycemic index, high in unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids makes them perfect for any diet.
Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, phosphorus and iron and can be included into many different types of meals and are also a great substitute for fats.
If you have never eaten raw pumpkin and want to taste it raw, make sure you add first a small amount of grated pumpkin in your salad and see if your stomach feels well.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seed oil extracts have long been used for different medicinal purposes and recent researches indicate that it may be used for conditions involving bladders, prostate and urethra.
If you look for losing some pounds, pumpkins are just the food you need. Pumpkins and pumpkin seeds are being considered super-foods and along with a healthy diet and physical exercise can help achieve a better health and can significantly reduce weight.
You can make pumpkin juice or smoothies but you’ll have to choose between the big variety of them and your Halloween pumpkin isn’t the tastiest of them.
Warnings
If you’re allergic, consuming pumpkins may cause some problems. Eat only a small piece of pumpkin and see if you don’t have allergies to them.
The allergic reaction is caused when the body mistakenly identifies the food protein as being dangerous and it releases antibodies to protect the body. One of the protein allergens identified in pumpkins is profiling and it may also cause allergies to citrus fruits, bananas, melons and tomatoes.
Those allergic to pumpkins are usually allergic to pumpkin seeds too.
Some individuals can have allergic reactions from touching pumpkin pulp or from inhaling the vapors from cooked fruit.
Take care when you begin to include it in your diet; they contain fiber that could cause diarrhea or bowel problems at the beginning.