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.
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