Pumpkin and Its Health Benefits and 5 Delicious Dessert Recipes
Pumpkin season has arrived. For anyone that loves the flavor of pumpkin here are 5 delicious homemade pumpkin dessert recipes that you will love. From Cheesecake to cookie bars, there is a recipe for everyone. Pumpkin is a squash that is ripe in the fall and so called a winter squash. There are different types of pumpkin. There is the big Jack-O’-Lantern that we are all familiar with. It is used for carving as decoration on Halloween. Pie Pumpkin is what is usually used to make food dishes from. It is smaller and sweeter than the large carving pumpkin. There are little mini pumpkins that are edible but mostly used as decoration. I have also seen white pumpkins decorated for Halloween. Last but not least is the huge pumpkins grown to win contests called Giant Pumpkins. While the giant pumpkins technically are edible, they are mostly water and bland in taste.
This healthy squash has quite a few good nutritional benefits due to the Copper, Iron, Riboflavin and Vitamin A. They also contain beta-carotene and are really good for you eyes. Some of the major benefits to your health from eating pumpkin are according to Healthline, ” Immunity – Pumpkin gives you a hefty dose of beta-carotene, which is partially converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A can help your body fight off infections. Recent research has shown that vitamin A is particularly important for strengthening the intestinal lining, making it more resistant to infections. Other micronutrients in pumpkin also help promote immunity, including vitamins C and E, iron and folate.
Eye Health – There are a couple of ways in which pumpkin is good for your eyes. First, it’s rich in beta-carotene, which helps keep your vision sharp by helping the retina absorb light. Second, the combination of other vitamins and minerals in pumpkin may protect against age-related macular degeneration. One study found that people with age-related macular degeneration could slow its progression by taking a supplement containing zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and copper. While that study used a supplement, you can find all of these nutrients in pumpkin, although in smaller amounts.
Healthy Skin – The antioxidants found in pumpkin are important for skin health. These include beta-carotene and vitamins C and E. Beta-carotene, in particular, may protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Eating foods with beta-carotene can also help improve the appearance and texture of skin.
Heart Health – Eating fruits and vegetables is generally heart-healthy. What’s more, pumpkin has specific nutrients that are good for heart health. The fiber, vitamin C and potassium found in it can help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Metabolic Syndrome – Eating foods rich in beta-carotene, such as pumpkin, may help lower your risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms associated with abdominal obesity. These include high blood pressure, poor blood sugar control and elevated triglyceride levels — factors that raise your risk of heart disease and diabetes.”
So pumpkin not only tastes delicious when made in recipes, especially dessert recipes, it is also very healthy and we should probably be eating it year round to reap the benefits of its nutrition.
Pumpkin cheesecake bars http://atreatsaffair.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-bars-recipe/
Pumpkin Earthquake Cake http://flourmewithlove.com/2014/11/pumpkin-earthquake-cake.html
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars http://www.auntbeesrecipes.com/2014/10/pumpkin-spice-cheesecake-bars.html
Baked Pumpkin Pie Chimichangas https://www.thecookierookie.com/baked-pumpkin-pie-chimichangas/
