Pumpkin –the orange multi-talent

Right on time for Halloween the pumpkin is on everyone’s lips again. But it is not only in the kitchen that it has such diverse uses: it is also a true wonder food for the beauty-conscious. Learn more about the versatile all-rounder.

The pumpkin comes originally from America and was brought to Europe by Columbus. At present, there are about 800 different varieties, of which about 500 are edible. The best-known include the varieties of Musque de Provence, butternut squash, Cinderella pumpkin, red kuri squash and sweet lightning pumpkin.

 

All-round health

The flesh of the pumpkin not only strengthens the immune system, but also stimulates the digestion and combats inflammation. The pumpkin is also a big hit when it comes to the figure: thanks to the high water content (95%) it is very low in calories. A further advantage is the high proportion of vitamins (A, C and E), minerals and trace elements (potassium, calcium and zinc).

 

Pumpkin as a beauty tip

Besides offering benefits for physical wellbeing, the pumpkin is also good for beauty. And for this reason it is added to countless cosmetic products for dry and sensitive skin, because the active ingredients of the pumpkin restore the smooth suppleness of the skin that is lost when it becomes dried out and dull. In the case of burns, it also helps the healing process and the regeneration of the skin. In breastfeeding women, the consumption of pumpkin seeds is also said to promote lactation. With long-term use, it is also reputed to lower blood sugar levels and improve eye-sight.

 

Diversity of uses

Whether in the form of soup, chutney, flan or jam, the pumpkin is a versatile vegetable in the kitchen that can be used to pep up any dish. Besides its culinary versatility, the pumpkin is also a great hit with enthusiastic do-it-yourselfers, because it can be used to make wonderful autumn decorations. For example, how about a homemade pumpkin lantern for Halloween? You can find a few design motifs here.



29.10.2014
In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
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