In foreign countries the pumpkin is a symbol of the cold season. As soon as autumn knocks there, people start decorating pumpkins in their homes for Halloween. This time Halloween is on 31st October. On this day, people remember their ancestors and cut pumpkins in strange shapes and decorate them outside the house. In fact, there is a belief in foreign countries that pumpkin protects from evil spirits and the evil eye. Pumpkin has many properties. Not only vegetables, but many things including cakes, soups, cookies, pancakes are made from it. Every year on 26th October’National Pumpkin Day‘ is celebrated.
pumpkin is not a vegetable
Many people consider pumpkin a vegetable but it is a fruit. Scientists consider it to be in the family of cucumber, cantaloupe and watermelon. Pumpkin is called pumpkin. This word is derived from the Greek word ‘peopon’ which means big watermelon. According to the University of California, pumpkin was found in North America 9 thousand years ago. But its 7500 year old seeds were found in Mexico. People used to drink it as winter squash. It has more than 45 varieties and pumpkin contains 92% water. Pumpkin reached India through traders.
Women don’t cut pumpkins?
Pumpkin is considered an auspicious fruit in Hindu religion but women do not cut it. Pandit Umesh Sharma It is said that according to religious beliefs, pumpkin is considered to be the elder son and if a woman cuts it then it is considered to be the sacrifice of the son. Actually, in Sanatan Dharma, pumpkin is also sacrificed to the Goddess. Every festival is incomplete without pumpkin. Pumpkin has a different significance in every religious ritual and death feast. On this occasion, pumpkin is made not of green but of yellow colour. It is said that cooking it keeps the ancestors happy.
The US state of Illinois is called the Pumpkin Capital of the World (Image-Canva)
Pumpkin is beneficial from seeds to flowers
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, E, C, manganese, potassium, fiber and minerals. dietitian Satnam Kaur According to pumpkin fruit, flowers, seeds, everything is beneficial for health. Pumpkin seeds increase immunity. This improves eyesight, keeps diabetes and blood pressure under control. Lack of blood also goes away. Eating pumpkin keeps the digestion process healthy and the skin also remains good. This removes the problem of arthritis and UTI. Salads and soups are also made from pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pulp and its flowers. Pumpkin flowers protect from cold and cough.
One pumpkin, many dishes
Butter is made from pumpkin which is called pumpkin butter. Apart from this, bars are also made from it which are healthy and tasty. People eat crunchy snacks made from pumpkin very fondly. Cheese cakes, muffins and chips are also made from pumpkin. Pumpkin pudding and kheer are also made in India. Pakodas are made from its flowers in Bengal and Kerala. In South India it is eaten with rice.
Increase fertility of men and women
In ancient times, pumpkin seeds were used in medicine in America. Eating its seeds increases fertility. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc which increases sperm count and testosterone levels in men. Due to the presence of Omega 3, blood flow in the sexual organs improves, which keeps the reproductive system healthy. Similarly, pumpkin seeds help women to become mothers. These seeds make mature eggs. This reduces the chances of miscarriage and the fetus develops well.
The month of October is celebrated as Pumpkin Festival in Finland (Image-Canva)
Important papers hidden in pumpkin, bomb also made
In America, important documents were hidden in pumpkins. In 1938, they were stolen by Russian spies. This caused a lot of uproar. When this incident came to light, these papers were named Pumpkin Papers. To scare the enemies, the US Air Force created a bomb during the Second World War which was called Pumpkin Bomb.
Candle and mat made from pumpkin
Just as mats are made from jute, similarly fibers are extracted from the pumpkin shell by drying it. Mats are made from this. Its work is more in Kansas, America. Candles are also made from dried pumpkin. Wax is filled in the pumpkin shell. The sales of these candles are highest on Halloween. Pumpkin is also used as a room freshener. Some artists also make lamp shades from its shell.
Tags: eat healthy, Female Health, Fruit sellers, halloween party, Health, United States of America
FIRST PUBLISHED: October 26, 2024, 16:11 IST
