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O.K. I just have to say it — pumpkins rock! They are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin A, are a good source of antioxidants, and now, they may contain an compound that helps protect against diabetes.

Researchers in China found that an extract from pumpkin (Cucurbita ficifolia) promoted the regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting levels of insulin-producing beta cells and insulin in the blood.

The rats used in this study, conducted by scientists from the East China Normal University, modeled type-1 diabetes, but the researchers believe the pumpkin extract may also play a role in type-2 diabetes. It is also their hope that the research can be reproduced in humans. Read more »

A Malaysian research has discovered that a component of a special pumpkin flour can weaken cancer cells. The component is resistance starch, which leads to the production of propionic acid.

“The acid causes the starch to remain indigestible thus fermenting the bacteria and weakening the cancer cells,” Technology Industry Department lecturer Noor Aziah Abdul Aziz told reporters after receiving the gold medal in conjunction with the Universiti Sains Malaysia’s participation at the Malaysian Technology Expo on March 29. “It changes the oxidation process.” Read more »

I found this interesting little story in an Iranian TV website, titled “Pumpkin, kadu-Halwaayi in Farsi and Urdu, botanically a fruit, is usually orange in color and is rich of vitamin A, B, C, G and minerals.”

According to the story, pumpkin juice can help with “sunstroke, heat-stroke, acidity and liver troubles.” Also, when applied to the eyes, it can help with cataracts. But my favorite part was when it said that pumpkins were “very good in case of impotency and sterility.”

Pumpkin seeds make a healthy snack, in moderation, of course. Keep in mind that a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds is 240 calories. However, pumpkins seeds contain cucurbitacins, a nutrient that has been linked to the prevention of prostate enlargement, and they are a good source of zinc, magnesium, and manganese.

If you suffer from arthritis, you might consider adding pumpkin seeds to your diet. Research suggests that pumpkin seeds might have anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in reducing the symptoms of arthritis.

So, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on your salad, on your sundae, or even on your morning cereal. Its good for you!

Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for eye health, can be found in two forms: retinol and beta carotene.

Retinol, which is found in liver, egg yolks and full cream dairy products, can be toxic if consumed in large amounts.

Beta carotene is a safer from of dietary vitamin A and can be found in red and yellow fruits and veggies, such as pumpkin.

A typical serving of pumpkin, 1 cup cooked, contains 2,651 IU vitamin A in beta carotene. For normal healthy adults the US RDA of vitamin A is 5,000 IU. Therefore one serving of pumpkins provides for more than half your daily allowance of vitamin A.