Pumpkin

Pumpkins and other winter squash, such as butternut, are good source of beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.

BENEFITS

Pumpkins are a good source of beta carotene. This is a antioxidant that helps to prevent free-radical damage that might lead to certain types of cancer.

Another antioxidant found in useful amounts in pumpkins is vitamin E.

ABOUT PUMPKINS

• Pumpkin is really a squash. It’s a member of the Cucurbita genus, which includes squash and cucumbers.
• Pumpkins are grown all over the world. Six of the seven continents grow pumpkins – Antarctica is the only continent that they won’t grow in.
• The Irish brought the tradition of pumpkin carving to the world. The tradition originally started with the carving of turnips, but, when the Irish immigrated to the US, they found pumpkins aplenty, which came with the added bonus of being much easier to carve for their ancient holiday of All Hallows Eve.
• Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
• Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene, which makes them orange inside, and which the body converts to Vitamin A – important in the prevention of a variety of illnesses, including cancer and heart disease. They are also a good source of potassium.