Have a Happy & Healthy Halloween!

Dr. Annie Sawyer & Dr. Greg Sawyer

 

As we approach Halloween all emblematic and traditional foods are starting to refill our grocery shelves. For many people, especially children, autumn events like Halloween are fun times to dress up in funny costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend family parties, and consume tasty homemade dishes. For us as holistic experts- these events are also opportunities to provide clients with ideas for nutritious and healthy snacks, while focusing on prevention and light detox.

Between all the above mentioned “trick or treats”, pumpkin is one of the healthiest and most famous Halloween food symbols that is rich of vitamins A, C, K and E,  minerals (Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium and Iron), fiber and antioxidants (alpha and beta Carotenoids). The light orange color of pumpkin is a guarantee that the pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, known as “beta-carotene”. As you may already know, beta-carotene is one of the plant Carotenoids the body converts to vitamin A. Recent research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protection against many chronic degenerative disease, preliminary aging, and a heart disease. Pumpkin it can be also used as a refreshing antioxidative mask for your face. You can also cook pumpkins in soups, purees, pies and breads. 

Do not forget that the seeds are also rich on minerals that have been mentioned in the literature as to have an “anti-inflammatory” effect, or being protective in case of osteomalacia and even osteoporosis. You can also use them as a low calorie snack. Of course pumpkin doesn’t have to be consumed in its pre-cooked (store-bought pie) form only. The best way to prepare it is by baking it in the oven with very little honey layer cover up.  You can also puree it, cook it in a soup, cutting it into pieces, broiling them and then baking them inside the oven. Do not forget that pumpkin is very good for your eyes, skin, kidneys, etc. It can be one of the so called fall diets light detox regime, when you go on a “pumpkin diet” for few days.

The University of Illinois offers few interesting to know Pumpkin Nutrition Facts:
(1 cup cooked, boiled, drained, without salt)

Calories 49 Protein 2 grams Carbohydrate 12 grams Dietary Fiber 3 grams Calcium 37 mg Iron 1.4 mg Magnesium 22 mg Potassium 564 mg

Zinc 1 mg Selenium .50 mg Vitamin C 12 mg Niacin 1 mg Folate 21 mcg Vitamin A 2650 IU Vitamin E 3 mg

Enjoy The Amazing English Pumkin House on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnH5EPmTPIo