Healthy Halloween: recipes with pumpkin to prevent high cholesterol. Belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, pumpkin is an autumn vegetable present especially from September to November inclusive. This vegetable is a vegetable typical of the area of Mantua and Cremona but it can be said that it is cultivated and consumed throughout Italy. Pumpkins also exist in their “mignon” version: beautiful and particular are used as embellishment and still-life setting. Not only that, this iconic vegetable is the fundamental ingredient of pumpkin recipes typically autumn and winter.
The pumpkin is a food low calorie: thanks to its high quantity of water (about 94.5%) its energy intake is equal to 17 calories per 100 grams of pulp. Among the main elements found in the pumpkin, we include beta-carotene, a very important substance for our health because vitamin A is produced from its metabolism; still, there are the vitamins of group A, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, vitamin C, vitamins K and J and vitamin E, very important for its known antioxidant properties, it is also rich in minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, iron, selenium, manganese and zinc.
Finally, in the pumpkin, we find a fair amount of fiber and a wide range of amino acids including arginine, tyrosine, cysteine, glycine, methionine, leucine isoleucine, histidine, serine, valine, threonine, proline, alanine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid.
The benefits of pumpkin on cholesterol
Thanks to its composition, zucc a is a healthy and at the same time tasty food. Vitamins, fibers, antioxidants, and omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, in addition to facilitating the reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood, help reduce the fat that accumulates in the intestinal tract, improving the digestive process.
The pumpkin is rich in Omega-3, a good fat that helps reduce cholesterol in the blood, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation, which is useful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The high level of zinc and phytosterols contained in pumpkin seeds makes it a suitable food for keeping cholesterol levels under control. Some studies confirm that pumpkin seed oil can increase HDL values, good cholesterol, and decrease blood pressure. These beneficial actions are enhanced by the presence of the betasterol molecules, which decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.
Other pumpkin properties
But the benefits of pumpkin consumption do not end there. Thanks to the beta-carotene contained in it, this vegetable is a powerful ally with free radicals, thus representing an excellent ally in slowing down the aging of human body cells. Also good for the eyes. Thanks to its high content of water, mineral salts and vitamins, pumpkin consumption helps diuresis and thwarts constipation problems.
Furthermore, the pulp of the pumpkin, for its soothing properties, brings benefits in case of burns and inflammation of the skin and it seems that eating regular pumpkin also helps prevent the onset of the first wrinkles. Containing then more potassium than bananas, pumpkin is one of the ideal foods for those who practice a lot of sport as it helps to restore the balance of electrolytes in the body after intense training and helps the muscles to function at their best.
Light and tasty pumpkin-based recipes
The unquestionable protagonist of the tables on Halloween, it is a vegetable that is well suited to make decorations and tasty pumpkin-based recipes ideal for this particular event. fact, pumpkin is a versatile ingredient for the production of first courses such as risottos and soups; for delicious side dishes and appetizers; to prepare the filling of savory pies. Moreover, its tendency to tend to be sweet makes it also suitable for sweet preparations, such as delicious muffins, cakes, and even biscuits.
Each type of pumpkin is best suited for specific cooking. In this regard, this vegetable can be steamed, grilled, stewed, cooked in the oven. The ideal, however, is to cook it as little as possible in order to keep its nutritive properties almost unchanged and maximize health benefits.
Finally, remember that pumpkin seeds can also be consumed in various ways: cooked in the oven (inadvisable as most of their properties are lost), left to dry a few days and eaten raw once peeled. Also, the roasting with the consequent addition of salt is one of the types of treatments, to which the pumpkin seeds that are often found on the market are subjected.
Baked pumpkin
There is nothing better than a nice healthy and light pumpkin dish, ideal for those who have little time available and want to bring this precious food to the table. It can very well accompany meat or fish dishes. If you want to prepare a healthy and colorful side dish you can not try it. It is one of the best healthy Halloween recipes.
Quinoa with spicy carrot cream and pumpkin
This pumpkin-based recipe is ideal for those who follow a vegan diet. It is the first course with oriental characteristics if you think of all the spices used to season it: ginger, cumin, coriander, and chili. Pumpkin and carrots, which marry perfectly, are cooked and seasoned to create a sort of cream that will accompany the quinoa. Thanks to the use of quinoa, gluten-free, this is a dish also suitable for coeliacs. It is one of the best healthy Halloween recipes.
Pumpkin cream with cinnamon
What’s better to warm up the cold winter days of a warm velvety? This pumpkin cream will awaken all your senses and taste buds! In this recipe, the flavors and aromas meet to give life to a delicate. And at the time tasty dish. The original touch given by cinnamon will surprise you positively; on the other hand, we know that the pumpkin is a winning combination. It is one of the best healthy Halloween recipes.
Pumpkin Tart
If you want to impress with a dinner of taste you can make this simple recipe based on a pumpkin. A savory and crumbly shortcrust pastry welcomes a delicious and soft filling made with pumpkin and parmesan. The recipe is not complicated, this is another reason to push you to try it. It is one of the best healthy Halloween recipes.
Pumpkin hamburger
If you want to prepare vegetarian pumpkin-based burgers this recipe is for you. A good second course, light, tasty, without the addition of meat, suitable for those who love pumpkin. You can accompany these burgers with salad or, why not, use them to stuff a sandwich. It is one of the best healthy Halloween recipes.
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