The colorful face of the dishes, one of the sweetest foods of the cucurbitaceae family, pumpkin is an indispensable food of the winter months. It contains plenty of beta-carotene, vitamin C, K, E, magnesium, phosphorus and iron, and has many health benefits. However, pumpkin can be used in many products from dessert to dinner.
In winter, metabolism slows down due to the change of season. With this, body resistance decreases and it becomes more prone to infection. The health of the skin also takes its share in the winter months; it becomes too dry, loses its color and radiance. Fatigue and tiredness complaints increase during this period. If you have started to experience these differences in your body, it is time to add pumpkin to your nutritional meals during the day.
Which Vitamins Are Found in Pumpkin?
We can list the vitamins in the pumpkin, which is called as an energy store, as follows;
- It contains intense levels of alpha and beta carotene. These caratenodies are the most important supporters of the immune system thanks to their antioxidant properties.
- It contains a strong vitamin A storehouse and protects eye health with the carotenoid called zeaxanthin.
- It contains a large amount of vitamin C, which defends the body against bacteria and disease-causing germs.
- It is a rich source of fiber, both protects the heart and supports the digestive system. If fiber consumption increases, the time to stay full increases. Postpones the effects of aging.
- It is beneficial for skin health, it provides the skin with the necessary moisture and makes it more vibrant.
- Thanks to vitamin C, it supports collagen production and makes the skin look younger.
- Contains Omega-3, strengthens memory.
- It helps to improve bone structures and prevents kidney stones.
- Pumpkin contains a substance called L-tryptophan. In this way, it is effective against psychological diseases such as anxiety.
- It is also rich in potassium and contributes to the regulation of blood pressure. Potassium; By relaxing the blood vessels and arteries, the distress in the heart is minimized and blood pressure decreases.
- Pumpkin prevents the formation of allergic reactions. The basis of diseases such as chronic asthma and allergies is the strengthening of the immune system.
- If people who complain that the intestines are lazy consume pumpkin, the intestines are activated again. When constipation problems are seen in babies, it can be consumed in the form of puree or soup starting from 6-7 months, and by adding oats, pulp can be utilized more intensively.
- There are only 26 calories in 100 grams of pumpkin, it keeps you full for a long time and prevents unnecessary energy intake and provides benefits during weight loss.
How should pumpkin be consumed?
Pumpkin is a very rich food source in terms of vitamins and minerals it contains. With this, it has many benefits for the health of the person. However, it is important to consume pumpkin in the right way. We can list the tricks to be considered when consuming pumpkin as follows;
- In order to avoid loss of vitamins and minerals and to be more beneficial to health, the peel should be peeled and chopped when consumed. Thus, the loss of hand values in its content is prevented.
- It should not be exposed to intense and prolonged heat before consumption. It should be baked or steamed for a small time. Thus, the loss of vitamins and minerals is minimized.
- When making dessert, refined sugar should be avoided. Molasses or honey can be preferred instead.
- It is more useful to pour honey and molasses on the pumpkin after cooking it.
- Diabetics should not consume too much.
How to Make Pumpkin Dessert with Molasses?
Ingredients:
7-8 sliced pumpkin
1.5 glasses of drinking water
Half a glass of molasses
Preparation:
Spread the greaseproof paper in a deep and heat-resistant baking tray. Then place the sliced pumpkins so that they are not too close to each other. Add 1.5 cups of water on top. Leave to bake in the preheated oven at 200 degrees for 25 minutes, then turn the back side of the pumpkins. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, then remove from the oven and add molasses on top.