Are you a flesh-eater?

Pumpkins are well known the symbol of the horror holiday Halloween. However, they can be used for more than just decoration. This year why not put the pumpkin to good use after the kids have had their fun!
The seeds, usually thrown away as a waste product of pumpkin cutting activity, are in-fact, concentrated sources of many health-benefiting vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, and all important essential amino acids like tryptophan and glutamate.

Health benefits

• At about 559 calories per 100g, their high calorie content is a result of the protein and fat that makes up the seed.
• The seeds contain good-quality protein. 100 g seeds provide 30 g or 54% of recommended daily allowance.

Uses in foods

• Raw kernels can be enjoyed as healthy snacks. Whole seeds can equally be enjoyable when roasted.
• Just like other nuts and seeds, they can also be used in granolas, biscuits, breads, cookies, casseroles or baked goods.
• The seeds also used in salads especially sprinkled over fruit/vegetable salads

The flesh on the other hand is low calorie vegetable containing high amounts of vitamin A and vital anti-oxidants. 100 g of the fruit provides just 26 calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; however, it is rich in dietary fibre. Dieticians recommend pumpkins as one of the best food items in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.

Why not try making a delicious pumpkin pie or blending it down and making a healthy, wholesome soup.