During fall, pumpkins become a popular household decoration. They are often carved, decorated and displayed for passers-by, but did you know they could be carved and put right on your dinner plate, too?
It can also be used in more savory dishes such as soup, pasta, hummus and more. And while pumpkin might be fall’s favorite fruit, it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that can help improve your health.
Here are a few facts you should know about pumpkins before you stop by your local pumpkin patch or grocery store.
Pumpkins are a high source of vitamin A, which plays a significant role in eye health, according to experts.
Christie Gagnon, a registered dietitian at the food and lifestyle blog Hoorah to Health, told Fox News Digital that pumpkins are “packed full of vitamin A,” which is a nutrient that can “lower the risk of developing cataracts, a common cause of blindness.”
Vitamin A also helps promote “good eyesight,” according to Michelle Rauch, a registered dietitian at the Actors Fund Home, an assisted-living facility in Englewood, New Jersey.
Rauch added, “It plays an important part in forming and maintaining soft and skeletal muscle tissue, bone and mucus membranes.”
Additional compounds found in pumpkins that support vision health are lutein and zeaxanthin, two plant pigments that help to protect the eyes from harmful light waves, according to WebMD.
An article reviewed by one of WebMD’s registered dietitians said a single cup of pumpkin can give a person 200% of their recommended daily vitamin A intake.
“If you get it, your eyes will thank you. Vitamin A helps you have healthy eyes and see more clearly, especially in low-light conditions,” the WebMD “Health Benefits of Pumpkin” article states.
Zinc, a mineral found in pumpkin, helps keep the retina healthy.
Aside from vitamin A, pumpkins are a high source of vitamin C, which is a nutrient that has long been associated with boosting immunity.
“Vitamin C aids neutrophils, a type of immune cell, in carrying out various immune functions such as getting rid of harmful bacteria,” Mackenzie Burgess told Fox News Digital. Burgess is a registered dietitian and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, a food blog focused on offering simple meal solutions.
“With flu season just around the corner, consuming more pumpkin may be a great way to support your immune system,” Burgess told Fox News Digital.
Pumpkins are also full of vitamins D and E, beta-carotene, folate and iron.
Mixing pumpkin into your diet can give you the immunity boost you need as the temperatures start to drop.
If you feel sickness coming on during fall, put together a warm pumpkin soup to help you feel better in no time.
“There are about 250 milligrams of potassium per half-cup serving of cooked pumpkin,” said Kimberly Baker, who is the director of the Clemson University Extension Food Systems and Safety Program.
“Potassium helps to contract muscles, regulates fluid and mineral balance within the cells of the body, and helps to maintain normal blood pressure.”
She added, “Males who are older than 19 should consume approximately 3,400 milligrams of potassium per day, and females older than 19 should consume 2,600 milligrams potassium per day unless told differently by a doctor or registered dietitian.”
A potassium fact sheet published by the National Institutes of Health matches Baker’s nutrition guidance for individuals who don’t have medical conditions with “impaired potassium excretion” or use medications that “impair potassium excretion.”
About 90% of potassium is excreted through urine and less than 10% is excreted through sweat or stool, according to a potassium-focused health report on Medscape, a website owned by WebMD that provides medical information to clinicians.
Pumpkins are 90% water. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds on a healthier diet, pumpkins could become your secret weapon, according to Burgess.
“Pumpkin is beneficial for weight loss because it’s largely made up of water, so it is low in calories while still containing many nutrients,” Burgess told Fox News Digital.
“Try adding more pumpkin to your diet by making pumpkin soup, pumpkin oatmeal, roasted pumpkin or pumpkin energy bites.”
Including pumpkin in sugary treats like desserts and drinks is going to take away the weight-loss benefits.
Instead of a sugar-filled pumpkin pie, opt for a healthy roasted pumpkin — or a yummy pumpkin smoothie.
Pumpkins are high in fiber, which has a list of benefits, including satiating hunger and lowering “bad” cholesterol, called low-density lipoprotein, according to Rauch.
Other fiber-based benefits include improved bowel health and a lessened chance of blood sugar spiking, she said.
Since pumpkins are so high in fiber, they will help you stay full longer, which can help promote weight loss.
“Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and the pumpkin’s seeds which, in addition to being delicious, are rich in antioxidants and contain magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese,” Rauch told Fox News Digital.
“Canned pumpkin contains seven grams [of fiber] per cup.”
Pumpkins are loaded with antioxidants. These molecules help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals — unstable atoms.
Antioxidants neutralize these atoms, which in turn slows the aging process, according to Harvard Medical School.
One of the most prevalent antioxidants in pumpkin is beta-carotene, Baker told Fox News Digital.
In her words, “beta-carotene is an antioxidant, which can provide anti-inflammatory benefits [and] prevent aging in the skin.”
Living longer and healthier often involves understanding how our genetic predispositions, including blood type, can influence our health outcomes. For individuals with blood type O, there are specific habits and lifestyle choices that, when avoided, can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Blood type O is often referred to as the “hunter” blood type in the context of the blood type diet theory, which suggests that individuals with this blood type may benefit from a diet that resembles that of early humans who were primarily hunters and gatherers. While the scientific evidence supporting the blood type diet is limited and controversial, there are other health considerations that individuals with blood type O should keep in mind…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
One of the most crucial factors for individuals with blood type O is maintaining a balanced diet. While specific diet plans may vary, it is generally recommended to avoid processed foods, particularly those high in sugars and unhealthy fats. Instead, focusing on a diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables can help support overall health and well-being. This dietary approach not only aligns with potential benefits suggested by the blood type diet but also with broader nutritional guidelines for promoting longevity.
Another important consideration for individuals with blood type O is regular physical activity. Engaging in regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves overall mood and mental well-being. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or participating in sports can all contribute to a longer and healthier life.
In addition to diet and exercise, managing stress levels is essential for individuals with blood type O. High-stress levels can contribute to a range of health problems, including hypertension, digestive issues, and impaired immune function. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>> READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Furthermore, individuals with blood type O should be mindful of their caffeine and alcohol intake. While moderate consumption of coffee or tea may have some health benefits, excessive caffeine intake can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and digestive problems. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and certain types of cancer.
Lastly, avoiding smoking and maintaining regular health check-ups are crucial habits for individuals with blood type O. Smoking significantly increases the risk of various diseases, including lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Regular health check-ups allow for early detection and management of potential health issues, helping to maintain overall health and longevity.
In conclusion, while genetics and blood type play a role in health outcomes, lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, stress management, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are crucial for individuals with blood type O to live longer and healthier lives. By adopting these habits, individuals can optimize their health and well-being, regardless of their blood type, and potentially increase their lifespan.
As we age, the risk of suffering a stroke increases, but many of the factors contributing to stroke are modifiable through lifestyle choices, particularly diet. While no single factor guarantees a stroke-free life, reducing the intake of certain substances can help mitigate the risk significantly. Among the key culprits that contribute to stroke risk are excessive consumption of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Here’s how these three substances affect stroke risk and why you should consider limiting them:
1. Excessive Salt (Sodium):
High sodium intake is one of the leading contributors to hypertension, which is a major risk factor for stroke. When you consume too much salt, it can cause your blood pressure to rise, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to damage to the arteries, making them more prone to blockages, which can trigger a stroke. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting salt intake to less than 5 grams per day. However, many people consume much more, primarily from processed foods, canned soups, fast food, and restaurant meals, where sodium is often hidden in excess. By reducing salt intake and choosing low-sodium alternatives, you can significantly lower your chances of developing high blood pressure and, by extension, stroke…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
2. Excessive Sugar (Added Sugars):
A diet high in refined sugars can contribute to the development of several conditions that increase stroke risk, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Consuming too much sugar causes an increase in blood glucose levels, leading to insulin resistance, weight gain, and inflammation—all of which are linked to an elevated risk of stroke. Additionally, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time, leading to atherosclerosis, or the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. To protect your brain health, it’s important to limit sugary foods and beverages, especially sodas, candies, and baked goods, which contain added sugars that can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for men. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
3. Unhealthy Fats (Trans and Saturated Fats):
Not all fats are created equal, and while some fats are essential for good health, unhealthy fats—particularly trans fats and excess saturated fats—can increase your risk of stroke. Trans fats, often found in processed and packaged foods like baked goods, snacks, and margarine, can raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and lower good cholesterol (HDL). This leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which significantly increases the likelihood of a stroke. Similarly, a diet high in saturated fats, commonly found in fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and certain oils (like palm and coconut oil), can also elevate LDL cholesterol and promote the narrowing of arteries. Replacing these unhealthy fats with healthy fats—such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil—can help protect against strokes.
Final Thoughts: While there is no magic bullet to prevent a stroke, maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is one of the most effective strategies for lowering stroke risk in older age. Reducing your intake of excess salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats can help regulate blood pressure, prevent plaque buildup, and maintain healthy blood vessels, all of which reduce the risk of stroke. Along with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and managing stress are also critical components of a stroke-prevention plan. By making conscious choices to limit these three substances in your diet, you can significantly improve your long-term health and reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke in old age.
In most situations, the first HIV symptoms show up 2–4 weeks after a person is exposed to the virus, but in certain circumstances, they might take months or even years to manifest.
HIV is the name of the virus that causes the illness of the same name. AIDS, a lethal disease brought on by a person’s immune system being significantly weakened, is its last stage.
Fatigue, muscle aches, rashes, headaches, sore throats, enlarged lymph nodes, joint discomfort, night sweats, and diarrhea are some of the symptoms.
A credible source claims that some of these symptoms are more likely to materialize than others. The likelihood of each of the symptoms is mentioned above in decreasing order.
HIV infection in stage 2 is ongoing.
The following are signs of a chronic HIV infection, according to certain studies, says a dependable source: yeast infection in the vagina and oral hairy leukoplakia, which results in white, scaly areas on the tongue. Possible diagnoses include shingles, neuropathy, cervical dysplasia, and the blood clotting condition idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
The person’s immune system will suffer considerably if this stage continues. Their body will have a harder time fighting off infections and other illnesses as a result.
3.AIDS in Stage
AIDS manifests when a person’s CD4 cell count is significantly decreased as a result of HIV infection.
White blood cells called T cells, sometimes referred to as CD4 cells, are one type. They serve as the body’s defense against harmful microorganisms. These cells become dysfunctional as a result of HIV infection.