The Not-So-Secret Fall SUPERFRUIT
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 12, 2023
There’s no denying it. Fall is HERE.
The temperature has dropped, the leaves are falling, and the holidays are right around the corner.
It’s the time of year when we take stock of our lives. And, in the not-so-distant past, we celebrated the bounty of our fields.
But there’s one food harvested from those fields that most of us never bother eating. Yet it’s surprisingly good for you.
Starting in September, people become obsessed with “pumpkin spice” flavored EVERYTHING. And not long after, in October, we sit carved pumpkins with candles inside on our front porches.
Then by November, we’re decorating our homes with cheerful orange and yellow pumpkins straight through until Thanksgiving.
But very few of us actually EAT these delicious gourds. Well, unless they’re highly processed and baked into a pie with a bucket of sugar, that is.
And that’s a darn shame because pumpkins pack in a TON of vital nutrients.
In fact, although they’re botanically classified as fruits, their nutritional profile is more like that of a superfood VEGGIE.
Pumpkins…
- are a fantastic source of the cell-protecting antioxidant vitamin A. In fact, they’re the fourth best source of vitamin A, falling behind beef liver, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
- are also a rich source of the antioxidants alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants destroy damaging free radicals to protect against diseases like cancer and heart disease. And beta-carotene boosts skin health.
- protect your eyes from UV radiation with vitamins A, B6, and K, as well as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein also fights against the damaging blue light emitted from electronic devices, LED lights, and fluorescent bulbs.
- are low in calories (only 50 per cup) and high in nutrients. This makes them an excellent food to eat if you want to lose weight.
- are rich in heart-friendly potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. Potassium supports cardiovascular health, safeguards muscles and bones, and cuts down on kidney stone formation.
Don’t just use pumpkins to decorate your home. While they’re in season, try making these superfruits a part of your menu, too.
Pumpkin makes an excellent side dish when cubed and roasted in avocado oil and spices with delicious, nutritious veggies like sweet potatoes.
P.S. Fatty snack solution to a TRIMMER waist.
Source:
“Pumpkin and Pumpkin Byproducts: Phytochemical Constitutes, Food Application and Health Benefits,” ACS Omega 2023, 8, 26, 23346–23357. Publication Date: June 23, 2023, doi. org / 10.1021/ acsomega. 3c02176
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...