The queen of the autumn table that protects the heart and arteries is among the most loved and widespread vegetables all over the world. The queen of autumn has a surprising multitude of varieties all different from each other with very particular colors, shapes and tastes. It has an endless list of precious properties for the body and thanks to its versatility you can really indulge yourself in the kitchen by creating extraordinary savory or sweet recipes. In case it’s not clear yet, we’re talking about the pumpkin.
Now let’s see the properties and the different varieties keeping in mind that nothing is thrown away from the pumpkin, especially the seeds, in fact those who throw away the pumpkin seeds are wrong because they are worth gold for these functions.
The pumpkin
The first traces of the existence of the pumpkin were found in Mexico. This vegetable comes from the cucurbit family (which also includes courgettes, watermelons, cucumbers) and is harvested in autumn. It keeps well for months, so it is considered a winter vegetable.
There are many Italian varieties to know and discover
The varieties of pumpkin are really many. Depending on the cultivation area, the color, shape and thickness of the peel changes. But the flavor and color of the pulp also changes.
Depending on these characteristics, the uses in the kitchen also vary.
The queen of the autumn table with infinite properties
Pumpkin is low in calories and very nutritious. It has a strong diuretic action because it is rich in water and low in sugar. Contains carotene, which helps the body to produce vitamin A. Carotenoids are a group of antioxidant substances essential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Pumpkin helps keep arterial hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes, which are the main risk factors for the heart, low.
It also contains vitamins C and B1 along with a mix of minerals that are extremely important for our body such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium.
It has antioxidant properties because it also contains flavonides that fight free radicals. It also has diuretic and calming properties, in fact the pulp is often used to soothe skin burns.
A bright future for this vegetable
Several American studies have shown that pumpkin keeps blood sugar in balance by affecting sugar metabolism. Some researchers are coming to the conclusion that pumpkin can be used in the treatment of diabetes, but still nothing is certain.
What scientists and doctors agree on is that consuming pumpkin two or three times a week could be an extra help in protecting the heart and arteries from very serious consequences.
But those who suffer from these disorders must be examined by a cardiologist who can give the right tips on nutrition and lifestyle.