You might know that pumpkins are a great source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that plays a significant role in cancer prevention, and pumpkin seeds can fight bad cholesterol. However, did you know that a pumpkin is also good for your age-esteem?

Imagine yourself letting go of worries and concerns by allowing yourself to get into the mood of witches and goblins. Take part in a costume party. Wear something playful and out of the ordinary. Spend time carving a pumpkin and creating a work of art while enjoying the health benefits that pumpkin has to offer.

Grab some dark chocolate, benefit from those antioxidants and allow your age-esteem to shine this Halloween.

Pumpkins And Squash For Healthy Aging

Pumpkins and squash come in various deep orange and yellow colors, and these colors are the secret to their very nutritional value.

Rich in vitamins B and C, pumpkins and squash also contain manganese, which is an antioxidant mineral rich in beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene is the ultimate component of nutrition, and the deeper the color, the more beta-carotene the vegetable contains.  It is important to eye health and also an aid to fighting cancer.  As it regulates insulin in the body, it is helpful for diabetes as well.

The omega-3 fatty acids contained in these vegetables provide anti-inflammatory effects adding to their other virtues.

This autumn take advantage of a wide selection of pumpkins and squash to adorn your dinner plate as well as to decorate the table.

Grandma Nature

Pumpkins come in all sizes and various varieties.

We all look forward to seeing Mr. Jolly Pumpkin in the autumn – that wonderful big round orange fruit hiding in the pumpkin patch.  What excitement to see one fully grown, ready to be picked.  Of course, immediately one thinks of carving a jack-o-lantern  or you might think of delicious pumpkin pie.  Whatever the association it is a time of year when nature is exploding in its autumn colors with rich yellows, reds, oranges…  And the pumpkin is a definite part of this.

Did you know that  pumpkin flowers may be eaten?  The bright orange color tells us, of course, that it is full of beta-carotene, such a necessary substance in curing eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts, cancer and heart disease.   Pumpkins are also full of minerals such as magnesium and iron and contain essential vitamins. Studies involving many men have proven that pumpkin seeds can slow down and even cure prostrate cancer.  Pumpkin seeds should be eaten daily on a regular basis in order to be effective.

So enjoy all aspects of the pumpkin’s decorative, nourishing and healthy aspects to enhance your age esteem.

Grandma Nature

These pumpkins may all look alike to us, but not to a child.  She sees them as unique forms and shapes like people.  To this little girl, visiting a pumpkin patch with her grandparents, it is an outing of discovery and delight.   Picking out a special pumpkin for Halloween can take all afternoon as each one is considered with care.

Halloween, which is celebrated in several countries, offers a perfect opportunity for inter-generational fun.

• Take one or several youngsters to choose pumpkins.
• Organize a pumpkin carving party in the yard or garage with neighbors of all ages to make jack-o-lanterns.
• Give a colored ribbon as a prize for the funniest, prettiest, ugliest…  Make up as many categories as possible so each person wins a ribbon.
• Make pumpkin pie and cookies together.
• Ask each person to put their jack-o-lantern in a front window of their home with a candle in it so others in the neighborhood can admire them.

AgeEsteem includes fun with all ages.