समर का साथी, कद्दू, Pumpkin

Pumpkin

It is hot summer. Not only the head but the stomach also becomes hot. If a vegetable is around us with cooling qualities; reduces Pitta (heat) and Vata (air) in the body; give lutein (for eyes care), alpha and beta carotene (to generate vitamin

A); would you like to eat it with a pleasure?

It is our popular Kaddu, a food of millions. Apart from Sabji, Petha and Kadu ka Halwa made of Pumpkin are very famous in North India. Pumpkin is used to make sambar in South India.

Pumpkin, a large melon probably originated from Mexico between 7000 and 5500 BC is a vegetable rich in lutein and both alpha and beta carotene. Most parts of
the pumpkin are edible including the fleshy shell, the seeds, the leaves, and even the flowers. When ripe, the pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed or roasted.

The seeds are often roasted and eaten as a snack. Pumpkin seeds are a food source of minerals and vitamins, One gram of pumpkin seed protein contains as much
tryptophan (essential amino acid) as a full glass of milk.

Chemical compounds found in pumpkin promote regeneration of damaged
pancreatic cells, resulting in increased bloodstream insulin levels. Pumpkin extract may be a very good product for pre-diabetic people, as well as those who already
have diabetes, possibly reducing or eliminating the need for insulin injections for some type-1 diabetics.

Being a vegetarian, Pumpkin (in form of boiled pieces or a tasty soup) was my
savior during three weeks stay in Korea. When AK Rakesh told me that I have
been reduced and the belly is going in after the Korean trip, I realized the benefits
of dear Kaddu.

समर का साथी, कद्दूजिंदाबाद जिंदाबाद I

Punamchand
11/5/12



NB: Brinjal with many seeds and unripe Pumpkin are like poison. Eat ripped

Pumpkin. (वृन्तांक बहुबीनानांकुष्मण्डंकोमलंविषम् I)