It’s The Great Pumpkin!

It’s The Great Pumpkin!

 October 17th, 2012 

Pumpkin is a heavyweight when it comes to potassium (564 mg ) and only 49 calories per cup. That is 33 percent more than a banana.
Potassium maintains the the water balance in the body. More potassium increases the sodium excreted from the body and lower blood pressure.
Potassium is linked to decreasing the risk of stroke. Athletes need to replenish potassium after exercising. Low potassium can cause the muscles to cramp.

Pumpkin is also high in beta-carotene, it reduces the risk of lung and colon cancers. It can also reduce rheumatoid arthritis by 41 percent.
Pumpkin is also a champion for your eyes. It has carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. All of these nutrients are protect your vision for healthy eyes.
And if that was not enough pumpkin also has Vitamin A plus calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus .
Carotenoids are need for fat absorption, so add a little butter and brown sugar and it is a great substitute for potatoes.

Surprisingly, a simple can of pumpkin puree is a safe and natural home remedy for treating both constipation and diarrhea in cats and dogs. Pumpkin is a wonderful source of fiber and has high water content. If your pet is constipated, the fiber in the pumpkin will soften the stools. If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, the fiber in the pumpkin will absorb the water in your pet’s digestive system which will help make the stools firmer.

Pumpkin is mainly eaten at Halloween and Thanksgiving, but we should eat it more often than that.  I like adding it to my smoothies and my family loves it when I make pumpkin pancakes.
Pumpkin  Pancakes

2 1/3 cups Original Bisquick® mix ( I use gluten free) 1/2 cup canned pumpkin 1 1/4 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 2 eggs Maple Pecan Syrup 1 cup maple syrup 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup pecans Melt butter add pecans and maple syrup. Keep warm. Stir pancake ingredients until well blended. Pour batter onto hot greased griddle. Turn; cook until golden brown. Serve with syrup If I can find it in the store, I like to put in 1/2 package of Jello pumkin spice instant pudding it gives more flavor. If you add the jello don’t add the sugar and pumpkin spice. Perfect shake  for Autumn …makes your favorite Fall dessert a high-protein shake!  Pumpkin Protein Shake 1 cup of your favorite type of milk (I use unsweetened almond vanilla breeze) 1 serving of vanilla protein powder 1/2 cup pure pumpkin 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon each ginger and cloves) 1 cup of ice cubes optional: sweetener of choice (agave, stevia, honey, etc) Combine  all ingredients into a blender. Process until smooth and thick.  Puor into a large glass, add cool whip to top  if desired and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Makes one serving. Pumpkin, butternut squash Soup 1 cup chopped onion 2 cloves of garlic 2 stalks celery chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 (14.5 ounce) cans vegetable broth 2 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 2 (12 oz) bags of butternut squash 2 small apples cored and sliced 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cup heavy whipping cream or unsweetened coconut milk Pinch of cayenne optional 1/4 cup of maple syrup optional to sweeten 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds for garnish Saute onion, garlic and celery with oil in a medium saucepan until tender. Add 1 can vegetable broth; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add remaining can of broth, pumpkin,apples, butternut squash,  spices; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Blend mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth. Will need to do in batches. Return mixture to sauce pan and add milk, and maple if desired. Pour into bowl and garnish with pumpkin seed and Greek yogurt optional Tastes better the next day as a reheat.