Its Halloween and its time to get out the pumpkins, scoop out the flesh and carve all sorts of grumpy and happy faces on it. But wait, don’t throw the pumpkin flesh and nuts away while making the Jack- o - lanterns! They might just help you in more ways than one!! The health benefits of the pumpkin flesh and seeds are numerous!

Pumpkin which got its name from the Greek word “pepon“ for larger melon has been used for ages by our ancestors not only to make household items like mats but also for healing and medical treatments!

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Recent research suggests that pumpkin seeds,  roasted or raw are rich in proteins and vitamins and also help in maintaining bladder and prostate health. Little did we know that the Catawabas ate the very same pumpkin seeds as a medicine to support their kidney. Hmmm..inspite of all the research we still seem to be a step behind, atleast  when it comes to pumpkin.

Pumpkin seeds are also linked to the prevention of stone development in the kidney and maintenance of bone health. They are also said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-depression properties. It must be these properties of the pumpkin seed that helped the people from the Yuma tribe to heal wounds with the help of an emulsion of  pumpkin and watermelon seeds  as well as treat burns and wounds using the pumpkin seed oil! Modern Folk Healers use pumpkin seeds to treat intestinal parasites like the tapeworm. .

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Flesh

The bright orange colored flesh of this fruit is beta carotene rich and is said to actually ward of some types of cancer. The high fiber, vitamin and protein presence is also a immunity builder and helps fight hypertension!!

If you still haven’t gotten convinced about saving up the Pumpkin seeds and flesh and using them in some interesting pumpkin recipes, then hear this… Pumpkins can actually help in reducing the effects of aging on your skin because it has lots of anti-oxidant vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and alpha-hydroxy-acids! So don’t reach out for those expensive creams, just save up your pumpkins innards. After all it looks like the Jack – O –Lanterns can scare and care!!!!

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