Arlene Wright-Correll

The Many Benefits of Pumpkins



Posted: Saturday, November 29, 2008

by
http://www.learn-america.com

Now that Thanksgiving is over with and Christmas is looming on the horizon we start to think about our Christmas baking. Not only for our big family meals, but for those wonderful little cookies and tea breads we distribute to our friends and neighbors.

Many organic gardeners use a lot of their fall produce in their holiday gift giving and pumpkins fall into that category.

Pumpkins have lots of benefits. Those we know of such as using them for fall decorations, Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns and of course pumpkin pie. However, did you know that pumpkins are a great source of beta-carotene? Beta-carotene is great for us since it converts to vitamin A in the body once it is consumed and we are told that is an excellent benefit for fighting heart attacks and cancer.

The Greeks used to call pumpkins Pepon which means large melon. We associate pumpkins with the color orange, but they do come in yellow, red and even white. When I lived in Australia many of the pumpkins and squash were blue or bluish grey color!

Many alternative health or herbal health people know that pumpkin seeds are used in the treatment of prostrate disorders and irritable bladders when consumed in their green state. They contain valuable vitamins, amino acids, calcium and even essential fatty acids in the form of omega-6s and omega 3s.

When you are making a pumpkin pie, do not use the same type of pumpkin you would use for a Jack-O-Lantern. Use a sugar or pie pumpkin. You may have to ask the seller which is which. The ones used for Halloween decorations are usually those found in large stacks outside your favorite super market and will not make good pies.

Should you be the gardener who does not grow a pumpkin then that is o.k. because one can always get great canned pumpkin for a very modest cost at just about any store in our wonderful nation and just use that for your bread, pies and pumpkin cookies.

Regardless, don't underestimate the value of pumpkins. They are good for us and one of my favorite recipes is pumpkin soup which I have written about in another article.

"Tread the Earth Lightly" and in the meantime May your day be filled with Peace, Light and Love,

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About the Author & Artist. Arlene Wright-Correll (1935- ___), popular American award winning Artist, published author, columnist, & is the resident art instructor for Avalon Stained Glass School, at the age of 68, decided to pick up her paint brushes again after 54 years and paint.  She is a cancer and stroke survivor who is able to strive forward each and everyday to welcome the beauty of this small planet.  She also is a China & Porcelain painter, Sandblasting & Etching, Stained Glass & fused glass Artisan. She is one of the six KY Artists who worked 6 months to create the dolls for Journey Jots in 2006 and a Smithsonian Institute art exhibit in 2008. Her published books can be found here . She is also a featured writer for GreenThumbArticles.com and teaches Art Vacation Holidays at Avalon Stained Glass School and Creativity Center.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Joel Hendon
 3 years 50 days ago.
125 fans.
A great article, Arlene and as always, I learned some new things. I have never cared for pumpkin pie, but now I wonder if we had the right kind of pumpkins.
» left by Arlene Wright-Correll from Munfordville, KY 3 years 50 days ago.
Dear Joel,
 
Thanks for reading my article and for your comment. I am not a fan of pumpkin pie either, but do light pumpkin bread, cookies, soup, muffins etc.  The correct pumpkin such as a sweet or pie pumpkin is always necessary if one is preparing their own pumpkin puree.
 

“Tread the Earth Lightly” and in the meantime… May your day be filled with…

Peace, Light and Love,   Arlene Wright-Correll

 
 
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