References to pumpkins date back many centuries. The name pumpkin originated from the Greek work for “large melon” which is “pepon. The name was changed by the French into “pompon”, and then the English changed it to “pumpion. “Shakespeare referred to the “pumpion: in his Merry Wives of Windsor. Then the American colonist alternated “pumpion” into Pumpkin.” It was then referred to in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater and Cinderella.

The creation of pumpkin pie occurred when the colonists sliced off the pumpkin top, removed the seeds, and then filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. It was then baked in hot ashes. We usually buy and think of pumpkin as a Halloween decoration and then throw away its unrecognized, nutritious flesh. It seems that only the holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas is when it is mostly eaten. Pumpkin has a powerful nutrient called beta-carotene, which can end cellular damage before it leads to disease.

Them most important nutrient of the pumpkin is carotenoids. They are the reason for its orange color, which helps the body destroy oxygen molecules known as free radicals. The size is not the reason for the name ”king of squash,” but the nutritional value. Just a half-cup of canned pumpkin has 16 milligrams of beta-carotene, or 160 to 260 percent of the daily amount recommended by experts.

Pumpkins have a source of eye-protecting carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, beta-cyptoxanthin, and alpha carotene. “Lutein and zeaxanthin are very potent free radical scavengers,” says Paul Lachance. PhD. professor of nutrition at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. A diet rich in antioxidants can prevent many disease that follow with aging, including heart disease and cancer.

The compounds lutein and zeaxanthin are located in the lenses of the eyes. These two compounds are also in pumpkin, which is why it is great for maintaining healthy eyes.  Pumpkin contains an generous amount of fiber, so consuming this delicious squash is very good for keeping the digestive system healthy and functioning properly. A healthy digestive system also aids in a stronger immune system.

Another valuable nutrient that pumpkin has is iron. Although the flesh contains this mineral, the pumpkin seeds have more concentrated traces of iron. The seeds are a great source of protein as well. They have more than 9 grams of protein and that is more than what a ounce of meat holds. Pumpkin is loaded with zinc, this antioxidant helps improves prostate function and protect bone density. It also helps boost immune system too!