Give thanks for the healthy advantages of Pumpkins

Give thanks for the healthy advantages of Pumpkins -
Thanksgiving is upon us and begins cooking, stirring, mixing and blending of all things pumpkin. You can put the pumpkin in pies, breads, or eat as a side dish. He ?? comfort food its not only tastes good but is good for you.
People diagnosed with cancer, including mesothelioma, can benefit from the vitamins and antioxidants found in pumpkins, which help improve immune function and protect our health.
Pumpkins belong to a large family of plants called winter squash. These vegetables are rich in carotenoids, plant pigments that give many vegetables their colors red, yellow and orange
carotenoids in winter squash include :.

• The beta-carotene and alpha-carotene : our bodies convert these antioxidants vitamin A. Like all antioxidants, they help protect our cells against damage and are linked the prevention of cancer when combined with a healthy diet
• lutein. and zeaxanthin : In addition to preventing cancer, these antioxidants showed the best protection against eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts age-related

the nutritional value of winter squash depends on the variety. But they are all excellent sources of vitamins A and C. They also contain fiber, which helps control weight and acts in many ways to reduce cancer risk.

Choosing the Right Squash

The most common varieties of winter squash, you will find ?? ll in the grocery store include acorn, butternut, hubbard and spaghetti squash. There are hundreds of varieties of color and size.
When buying pumpkins or other types of squash, inspect the exterior and search without a hard crust and soft spots. Choose the heaviest among those of equal size, as they will have the most edible flesh.
Winter squash lasts 2-3 months at room temperature. Unless ?? s cut, do not refrigerate, as moisture will spoil faster. Squash will freeze well, so you can cut it into small pieces to store for later. If you buy canned pumpkin, to find the kind of unsweetened puree.

Preparing Your Squash

varieties with thin skin, such as butternut or acorn squash can be peeled and roasted first.
Those with thick rinds may be more difficult to prepare.
You can use a heavy chef's knife to separate larger, thicker varieties of squash in the center.

Place on one side of the hob cut down and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or more.
When the flesh is soft, it is ready to be picked on and eaten.

Try using different types of squash in pies and breads.
 They also work very well, if not better than the pumpkin.
 Most people can not even tell if the pumpkin or squash is used in a pie.

Squash Recipe Pain

Try this recipe for a great way to include squash in your meals this holiday season. It is ideal for breakfast, a snack or light dessert, and it is delicious with a cream cheese with low-fat or whipped butter spread

Ingredients :.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon powdered cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg coffee ground
• ¼ cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 egg + 1 egg white
• 1 ¼ cup mashed cooked winter squash

directions:

• Sift together the first six ingredients on a plate and set aside
• in a large bowl, mix the oil. , Sugar and honey until light and fluffy.
• Beat the egg and egg white. Add the pumpkin puree and beat until smooth.
• Fold the dry ingredients. Turn into a loaf pan greased 9 x 5 inches.
• Bake about one hour until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 10 minutes.
• Turn out on a wire cooling rack or baking tray to cool.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

for a fun variation of this recipe, you can add a nut topping. You will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
• ½ cup pecans or finely chopped nuts
• sugar dusting powder (optional)

After the fourth step in the above recipe, pour the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Bake as directed, then cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

To heat the pumpkin bread, thick slices wrapped in a paper towel and microwave for 15 to 20 seconds on high.