Pumpkins are antioxidant vegetables for excellence, which offer us many properties and whose consumption allows for the elimination of free radicals that affect our bodies. They are rich in beta-carotene, coumarins, lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid.

Beta-carotenes increase the immune system's efficiency and can also help prevent heart attacks. On the other hand, they could prevent the development of some types of cancer, especially skin and prostate cancer. For this reason, it is essential to include this food in the daily diet of at-risk groups, such as men close to 50 years old.

The intake of pumpkin also helps to prevent the effect of free radicals on the cells of the retina.

It is a food that is composed of 90% water, rich in fiber, and low in calories, so it is always recommended in weight loss diets. It is a very satisfying food. Thanks to this, its ingestion regains the impulse to eat other unwanted foods in the diet. Pumpkin helps Helps fight water retention, thanks to its high amount of potassium. Its high fiber content favors intestinal transit, which helps to improve constipation.

This wonderful vegetable can be consumed by its pulp, seeds, leaves, and flowers. Recently it has been discovered that pumpkin seeds help to eliminate certain intestinal parasites, such as tapeworms. Its leaves-made tea help to lower the fever. Also, the pulp, if consumed as juice, has a laxative effect.

As a food, it is a very versatile vegetable. Use it in desserts, soups, creams, baked, pureed, rice, grilled, grated on rice, or in combination with other vegetables or dishes.

I will start my series of recipes for this versatile vegetable by presenting my version of Pumpkin Cream. You can offer this delicious cream as an appetizer, served in small shot glasses, as an entry in your dinners or lunches, or enjoy it as a main course in your weight loss diet.