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
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...