In Pie, In Bread, or Just A Seed - This Super Food is What You Need

Pumpkin isn't just for carving around Halloween, or for making pies at Thanksgiving. There are many reasons why you should consider adding pumpkin to your diet on a regular basis.
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Pumpkin isn't just for carving around Halloween, or for making pies at Thanksgiving. There are many reasons why you should consider adding pumpkin to your diet on a regular basis. That jack-o-lantern that your children decorated was once filled with phytonutrients. Phytonutrients help keep your skin looking young while protecting it from sun damage.

Leisa Naples

Pumpkin is also fantastic for the whole family because it is a great source of fiber, vitamins C and E, and potassium. Pumpkin is also great on top of your skin as well as inside your body. "People who take vitamin D supplements have better luck avoiding the seasonal flu; there is no reason to think that it won't do the same for the H1N1 Virus", says Dr. Oz. Pumpkin. Pulp contains a lot of Vitamin D, which is why pumpkin pancakes are a great immune booster during flu season. The recipe below makes a large batch, so be sure to put extra batter in the refrigerator so your family can get their dose of Vitamin D the next day too. With two sets of pre-school aged twins at home, I am always trying to find super food recipes that will boost everyone's immune system.

PUMPKIN PANCAKES
Cook time 8 - 10 minutes
You can use organic or non-organic ingredients

1 cup organic flour
2 tbs organic sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1 organic egg
1 cup Stonyfield Farm organic vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 Tbs organic butter

  1. Preheat large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Stir all dry ingredients in a bowl.
  2. In large bowl, beat egg for 30 seconds then add yogurt, pumpkin and melted butter. Beat thoroughly.
  3. Stir in dry ingredients then beat until combined.
  4. Grease skillet with butter or olive oil. Pour batter to preferred pancake size and flip when top bubbles and edges are dry. Cook until golden brown 3 minutes each side or more for crispier pancakes.
Don't leave your kitchen just yet.
The following recipe is JUST FOR MOM
. Here's how to make your own pumpkin facial treatment at home:

PUMPKIN MASQUE INGREDIENTS

2 teaspoons canned pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon spice

Mix together ingredients into a paste, and brush onto freshly cleansed skin. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then rinse off with warm spring water.

Enjoy your beautiful rosy glow!!

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