Pumpkins

Not just for carving!

What is a pumpkin?

Since it is the result of a seed-bearing structure of a flowering plant, a pumpkin is classified as a fruit. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and is also low in calories. The leaves, seeds, and juices are used for its health benefits. It’s also that thing you probably carve for Halloween!

Is it considered a gourd?

Gourds are a hard-shelled durable fruit that is grown for ornament, utensils (bottles or containers), food, medicine, musical instruments, artistic media, and other general interests when the fruit is dried. A pumpkin is not a gourd, but it is related to it. Pumpkins, along with gourds and squash, are in the Cucurbitaceae family, which contains over 700 species. 

What are some health benefits associated with it?

Beta-carotene: Not only does it give pumpkins its bright orange appearance, but it is also a powerful antioxidant. The body is able to ingest beta-carotene and convert it to Vitamin A, which helps with immune function, vision, cellular communication, and the creation of white blood cells. Beta-carotene can also reduce the chances of getting cancer. It offers protection against asthma and heart disease, delays aging and body degeneration. 

Seeds and pulp: They help control diabetes by helping the tissues and intestine absorb glucose and balance the levels of glucose in the liver. Currently, pumpkin is being studied to hopefully become an anti-diabetic medication to lower the risk of having type 2 diabetes. The pumpkin seeds and pulp are also high in Vitamin C and beta-carotene, which helps the immune system. Vitamin C is necessary for the biosynthesis of collagen and neurotransmitters and is involved in protein metabolism. 

Fiber: Pumpkins are a good source of fiber. Fiber is a necessity because it helps slows the rate of sugar absorption into the blood and allows for regular digestion and healthier bowel movements. If individuals can ingest the required amount of daily fiber (~25-30g), then they can reduce their chances of getting colon cancer. 

Potassium: Potassium reduces the risk of stroke, protects against a loss of muscle mass, preserves bone mineral density, and helps regulate high blood pressure. 

What are some different ways that I can consume a pumpkin?

One can make a pumpkin puree and use either the pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin to replace oil and butter in a baking recipe. Cook the seeds with a little bit of salt, make a fruit smoothie or make a pie. For the most health benefits, avoid using canned pumpkin pie mix because of all the added sugars and syrups which is usually right next to the canned pumpkin which only contains pumpkin in it. 

Are there any warnings/ side effects when eating a pumpkin?

Currently, not much research has been conducted to determine the medicinal amounts of pumpkin during pregnancy, so consult with a physician before consuming it. Pumpkin also might affect how well the body gets rid of lithium, which can cause some serious side effects.

Sources:

https://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/pumpkins-fruit-vegetable-difference-two

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279610.php

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/gardening-help-faqs/questionid/274/afmid/4462.aspx

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-810/pumpkin

Picture Sources:

http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/minnesota-pumpkin-patches-fall-family-adventure/

http://www.amishgourds.com/store/page/441664

https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/pumpkin-health-benefits

https://timetoleave.earth/abc-reveals-when-its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-will-air/

Vegetables

"Kids, eat your veggies!" 

What is the definition of a vegetable?

A vegetable is a plant that is used as food, or the part of a plant, such as a root, stem, or flower, that is used for food. 

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/vegetable

How can you tell between a vegetable and a fruit?

A fruit is a seed-bearing structure that develops from the ovary of a flowering plant, and a vegetable (as stated before) is all the other parts of the plants, such as the stem, leaves, flowers, and roots. 

What are some examples of vegetables?

Some examples of vegetables include: celery, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, radishes, peas, cabbage, carrots, and many more! 

What are some specific health benefits?

Celery: 

Contains apigenin (currently being studied for its anti-cancer properties), which reduces inflammation and restores immune balance. Also, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that celery seeds help with arthritis, gout, muscle spasms, high blood pressure, colds, flu, and water retention. 

 Broccoli:

It is known as a good source of Vitamin K and C, folic acid, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin K is essential for the functioning of many proteins involved in blood clotting. Folic acid helps maintain new cells in the body. Vitamin C builds collagen for the formation of tissues and bones and is also an antioxidant.

Carrot:

If broccoli isn’t your thing, carrots are also a good source of fiber, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. Its orange color comes from beta-carotene which is an antioxidant that is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A promotes good vision, preventing one’s vision from getting worse. Carrots are also beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels. 

Radish:

Radishes help clean out the liver and stomach (detoxifying it). There are a variety of different types of radishes with different health benefits, for example, the black radish (along with its leaves) has been used to combat jaundice because it can get rid of excess bilirubin. Radishes also provide the body with potassium, which helps lower blood pressure and individuals who suffer from hypertension. Red radishes contain Vitamin E, A, C, B6, and K, and its high with antioxidants. They also help keep the body hydrated because of its high water content. 

How many vegetables should an individual have in a day? 

Is there such a thing as having too many vegetables?

There is such thing as eating too many veggies. Many of the veggies described above have fiber, and even though the body can handle more of the recommended amount (25 grams per day) of fiber, too much can disturb the stomach. For example, the individual could experience digestive distress, gas, bloating, and severe constipation. Also, if your stomach is trying to process all the plants being consumed, other foods become less healthy because the stomach is not properly digesting those other foods. Basically, eating too many veggies can cause the body discomfort and if one consumes too many carotenoids they can alter their skin coloration. 

REMEMBER: Eat your veggies, just don't go crazy! 

Sources: 

https://www.livescience.com/33991-difference-fruits-vegetables.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270678.php

https://www.healthyeating.org/Healthy-Eating/All-Star-Foods/Vegetables/Article-Viewer/Article/91/health-benefits-of-broccoli

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/carrots#section5

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/10-incredible-radish-benefits-the-power-source-of-potassium-vitamin-c-and-fiber-1397076

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/servings-of-vegetables-per-day#section2

https://www.thedailymeal.com/healthy-eating/yes-it-possible-eat-too-many-vegetables

                

Picture sources:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/492229434246987231/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/servings-of-vegetables-per-day#section2

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2012/02/if-you-eat-an-excessive-amount-of-carrots-your-skin-will-turn-an-orangishyellow-shade/

http://delightfullyfull.com/veggie-trayn/

Marijuana plant

What is marijuana?

Marijuana comes from the plant Cannabis sativa. When using marijuana for medicinal purposes, the whole, unprocessed plant is used. The same ingredients are in the medicinal and recreational marijuana, but when marijuana is used in health care, it is grown to have fewer chemicals that cause the feeling of euphoria. 

How is it used for medicinal purposes?

There are cannabinoids, an active chemical in medical marijuana, which is similar to the chemicals in the body that impacts appetite, memory, movement, and pain. Research suggests that cannabinoids can reduce anxiety, inflammation, kill cancer cells, slow tumor growth, relax tight muscles in people with MS. 

What are the health benefits of medical marijuana?

Although there have not been much research studies with medical marijuana, it has been used to treat cancer, Crohn’s disease, muscle spasms, appetite loss, nausea, and pain.

Is marijuana always good?

There is recreational marijuana that is a greenish-gray mixture of dried flowers, also from the Cannabis sativa. Individuals smoke or consume recreational marijuana to receive a feeling of euphoria or the sensation of being “high.” 

Is it addictive?

Marijuana is addictive. Research data suggests that 30% of marijuana users have some degree of marijuana use disorder, which is a form of addiction in severe cases. 

What are some side effects of using marijuana for non-medicinal purposes?

The side effects of using marijuana are bloodshot eyes, depression, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, and low blood pressure. It can also adversely impact judgment, coordination, and IQ if the drug is taken during the teenage years while the brain is still developing. 

Is medical marijuana approved by the FDA?

Since there hasn’t been much research done with medical marijuana, the FDA has not approved the drug. There have been two man-made cannabinoid medicines that have been approved by the FDA called dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet), which are also used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. 

Which states have legalized medical marijuana?

Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and a few have legalized recreational marijuana. 

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/medical-marijuana-faq#1-3

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive

https://www.healthworkscollective.com/how-medical-marijuana-industry-impacting-big-pharma/

https://www.marijuanabreak.com/medical-marijuana-legal-states

Cinnamon

"Cinnamon, Not Just For Rolls!"

What is cinnamon?

Cinnamon comes from the bark of a small evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka, called Cinnamomum verum. Most of the cinnamon comes from Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Burma. The farmers shave the outer and inner bark off of the trees and then dry it. When the inner bark is thoroughly dried is when the recognizable cinnamon curled sticks are formed.

Here is a video on how we get cinnamon sticks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0mSpoth6xU

What is cinnamaldehyde?

            Cinnamaldehyde is an aldehyde that gives cinnamon its flavor and odor. The essential oil of cinnamon bark is about 90% cinnamaldehyde which is found naturally in the barks of certain trees.       

How was it first discovered?

            Cinnamon has been used for centuries in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to ease flu and indigestion. It has calcium, fiber, iron, manganese, and essential oils that helps give it its healing properties.

What was the story of the “secret of thieves?”

Four thieves would rob houses of individuals that were infected with the bubonic plague. The robbers had created a similar concoction of that used in the attire (bird masks) of the physicians visiting their patients. Some accounts say that the thieves used garlic, cloves, and CINNAMON in their masks to help keep them from getting infected with the plague. 

What are some benefits of cinnamon?

Cinnamon is high in antioxidants which protect the body from oxidative damage and is also used to help with digestive inflammation.

 This spice has also been known to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) and stabilizing blood markers in people with type 2 diabetes. With this form of diabetes, individuals could experience insulin resistance and with the help of cinnamon, insulin resistance can be reduced which allows the hormone to continue its work of transporting sugar in the blood to cells in the body. 

It also interacts with a variety of digestive enzymes to reduce the amount of sugar that goes into the bloodstream, since the carbohydrates are not being broken down as fast. 

Cinnamon mixed with honey has been known to help with acne. With 3 tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon, one can apply to the face, which will stop the acne-causing bacteria and restore moisture to the face. The “mask” is left in for about 10 minutes. Remove if a burning sensation begins and also use caution when applying cinnamon to the face. 

What else is cinnamon good for?

Cinnamon has also been found useful for other tasks besides in an individual’s health:

            Bug repellent: For many, cinnamon is used an air freshener for its delicious smell, but for animals, such as ants and moth, it will draw them in the opposite direction. Cinnamaldehyde is also used as a fungicide and has been proven effective on over 40 different crops just by applying it to the roots of the plant. 

            Lip plumper: Individuals have been known to use this spice to enhance the size of their lips. One simply places Vaseline directly onto the lips and pats on the cinnamon making the lips tingly which causes the enhancement.       

            Breath freshener: Chew on a few cinnamon sticks or gargle warm cinnamon water to help with bad breath. 

                        

Use caution when using cinnamon on the body!

Sources: 

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/cinnamaldehyde#section=Top

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cinnamon-comes-from_n_4963435

http://blog.hannasherbshop.com/2012/03/15/the-history-and-healing-of-thieves-essential-oil/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/cinnamon-beauty-benefits_n_3857058

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon