^
A
A
A

Trick-or-treat: pumpkin therapy for Halloween

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
 
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

24 October 2012, 10:12

Halloween is approaching and will knock on our doors on October 31. Many do not celebrate this ancient Celtic holiday, but there are those who like to have fun by transforming into some evil spirit or monster.

Naturally, the main symbol of the holiday is the beautiful pumpkin, which has taken on all sorts of forms in the skillful hands of craftsmen. But the pumpkin is not only a decorative item, but also a very useful vegetable, which is the right time to cook and prevent many ailments.

Let's start with the fact that Halloween is a holiday of sweets, which means there is a danger of overdoing it on sugar, which can lead to unpleasant consequences, so fun is fun, but moderation is still worth observing.

In order not to shock the body with the amount of sweets, it is better to enjoy the taste of dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and has a beneficial effect on the heart. Also, do not get carried away with sweet carbonated drinks, but it is best to replace them with natural juices. In addition, most Halloween sweets are based on apples, which can be eaten fresh or prepared into various treats.

Pumpkin

You can make a lot of delicious dishes from pumpkin: vegetable stew, pumpkin salads, soups, side dishes and pancakes, as well as compotes and juices.

If you have never had a craving for this wonderful orange vegetable, try baking a pie that will surely surprise you with its rich taste. Cranberries, apples and quince will go well with pumpkin. You can also make pumpkin jam and preserves.

In fact, few people know about the value of this vegetable, most likely, only those people who eat pumpkin as a component of dietary nutrition can appreciate its useful properties. But in fact, it is worthy of being present on our tables more often.

Just imagine, pumpkin contains three times more beta-carotene than liver, and carrots – five times more! Beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A, which is necessary for sharp vision, strong bones and growth processes, and is also an antioxidant that protects the body from external factors. And most importantly, vitamin A prevents the development of cancer cells in the human body.

Pumpkin pulp is rich in pectin substances, which improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, so it is very useful for people suffering from constipation.

Scientists say that regular consumption of pumpkin is a real preventative measure against diseases such as cancer, heart failure and stroke.

So enjoy the holiday and its healthy and tasty symbol!

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.