HEALTHY VEGETABLE FLAVOR

Dovlecelul este una din cele mai bune legume, fiind foarte eficient si in curele de slabire. Dat fiind faptul ca poate fi preparat in mai multe feluri, ca are un gust bun si ca este bine tolerat de stomac, cura de dovlecei este, practic, obligatorie vara. Pentru ca este foarte bun, dovlecelul este prima leguma recomandata bebelusilor, la diversificarea alimentara.

Indiferent de dieta, dovlecelul poate fi mancat fara limite, dat fiind faptul ca are un aport caloric nesemnificativ: 15 kcal la 100 de grame, in conditiile in care contine 95% apa si o cantitate record de oligoelemente si vitamine. In top, potasiul cu 700 mg si fosforul cu 230 mg, in doar 100 de grame de dovlecel, plus cantitati de peste 150 mg de magneziu si calciu.

Dovlecelul scade tensiunea

Este o leguma binevenita pentru sistemul cardio-vascular, avand efect hipertensiv, ca urmare a cantitatii mari de potasiu pe care o contine. Dovlecelul are 0,35 mg de vitamina B3 si provitamina A, care sunt prezente mai ales in coaja dovlecelului. La acestea se adauga 7 mg de vitamina C, totul in doar 100 grame de dovlecel.

Dieta cu dovlecei

Dovlecelul este o leguma minunata in curele de slabire. Poate fi consumat in orice cantitate, singura grija fiind modul in care este preparat. Ideal este sa fie fiert in aburi sau copt cu un strop de ulei, la cuptor. Poate fi consumat si crud, mai ales in cazul dovleceilor foarte tineri, sub forma de salata. Cu ulei, sare, ierburi aromate si suc de lamaie este un adevarat regal. Merge foarte bine cu rosii si vinete, si ele legume foarte bune in dieta.

The Extraordinary Health Benefits of the Pumpkin and Its Seeds

You may be surprised to learn that the pumpkin is a fruit. It is a member of the cucurbita species, which includes squash, cucumbers and melons. Indeed, it is an exceedingly healthful fruit that contains a multitude of nutrients known to improve overall health and protect against a wide range of diseases. What follows is a discussion of the health benefits of the pumpkin and its seeds.

Beta-carotene is the compound that gives the pumpkin its characteristic orange color, and it also happens to be one of its most powerful nutrients. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, an essential vitamin that promotes healthy vision, bone development, and a strong immune system. In addition, it is believed that beta-carotene may slow down the aging process, promote healthy skin, and protect against respiratory infections.

Beta-carotene is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the cells against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules which are produced when the body burns calories and from environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and pollution. It is believed that free radicals play a role in cancer and heart disease; thus, eating pumpkins and other foods rich in beta-carotene may offer protection against these diseases.

In addition to beta-carotene, pumpkins are an excellent source of the following substances: vitamins C, K, and E; fiber; magnesium; potassium; iron and calcium. These are all essential nutrients that promote excellent overall health and well-being.

The health benefits of pumpkin seeds alone are a testament to how lavishly abundant the pumpkin is in health-producing substances. For pumpkin seeds are considered to be one of the richest vegetarian sources of the mineral zinc, and the importance of zinc to human health cannot be overstated. Here is a list of the many serious health conditions associated with a zinc deficiency:
1. Prostate problems
2. Fatigue
3. Loss of appetite
4. Hair loss
5. Skin problems
6. Poor night vision
7. Decreased sense of taste and smell
8. Sleep deprivation

9. Diarrhea

In addition to zinc, pumpkin seeds are an outstanding source of protein, iron and copper. Given how nutritious they are, you might want to think twice about tossing out those seeds at your next pumpkin carving party! Pumpkin seeds are excellent toasted or roasted in the oven. The shells are edible, by the way, and are an excellent source of fiber. You also have the option, of course, of buying a bag of commercially prepared pumpkin seeds; they make an excellent and convenient snack.

To be sure, the pumpkin is much, much more than a holiday decoration and pumpkin pie. It is one of nature's most nutritious foods. It also happens to be a very versatile food that lends itself well to a variety of savory main dishes as well as delectable desserts. A search on the web will give you an endless supply of recipes in which to expand and maximize your enjoyment of this remarkable food. Enjoy!