HEALTH HALLOWEEN SNACKS
Health Halloween Snacks
North American Indians first introduced pumpkins to the European explorers. These native indians used pumpkin seeds both as a food source and as a medicine. Sadly, every Halloween and Thanksgiving, people discard the seeds without understanding the nutrition facts and healthy nutritional value these little power foods possess. As a healthy alternative, not much beats pumpkin seeds as a snack.
Pumpkins belong to the gourd family. Pumpkins, along with cantaloupe and squash, contain an ingredient called cucurbitacin. This powerful substance has been shown to help prevent or inhibit prostate cancer from growing. In addition, it is linked to prevention of urinary tract infections and other bladder problems like incontinence. Seeds from the gourd family have been used for centuries to prevent and treat parasites and kidney problems. Other benefits include improving brain function to help with learning disabilities and depression. Since these seeds contain phytosterols, they may also help prevent certain types of cancers.
There is no doubt that pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are fabulous as a snack or mixed in with other foods, like salads, breads and cereal. The seeds are an excellent source of manganese, magnesium and phosphorous. They also contain zinc, which can improve skin, poor hair growth and poor night vision. They also contain iron, something many people lack enough of. Iron deficiencies can lead to fatigue, weak nails, poor hair growth and recurring mouth ulcers. Pumpkin seeds also contain Omega 3 fats and are a source of protein – especially important for vegetarians. If that wasn’t enough, add in amino acids, vitamin K and tryptophan. At 186 calories per 1/4 cup serving, pumpkin seeds really pack a nutritional punch.
Pepitas are most nutritious when raw. If you do want to roast them, do so at low heat (165 degrees for 15-20 minutes) to preserve their natural, essential oils.
With so much nutritional punch, you will want to eat pumpkin seeds all year round, not just in the fall. Seeds can be kept in an air tight container in the fridge for up to one month. Add them whole to your veggies, salads, breads and soups. You can also grind them and add to cereal, oatmeal, ground turkey patties and rice pudding.
Mary Roberts is a nutritionist specializing in natural foods. She writes articles and blogs about healthy nutrition for kids and families at http://kidsnutritionist.blogspot.com For more fall and Halloween tips and ideas for families, visit: http://www.fitforafeast.com/halloween.htm
POLL: Don’t you hate it when….?
People hand out things like toothbrushes, raisens, and other healthy snacks and stuff on Halloween? I WANT CANDY NOT HEALTH FOODS!!!!
Dude, you’ve gotten a toothbrush?
I ALWAYS get chips and candy, and one year I got 50 cents, and Ive never gotten any healthy crap!
I hope that stays the same this year too ^^
Kids Make Smart Choices: Healthy Halloween Treats Trump Candy
Health Halloween Snacks
Halloween sounds really fun and exciting specially to your kids. But do you know that it isn’t a healthy holiday at all? Halloween comes with treats and mostly cadies – which mean junk and unhealthy foods. Would you like your kids to risk their health on one of their very special holiday? Don’t make everyday Halloween. Don’t make every day a sugar-filled day. You can change the way you celebrate and start a new tradition. This time, it’s gonna be a fun-filled and healthy Halloween.
Consider starting a new tradition. Instead of overindulging your children (and yourself), and creating negative habits and patterns that could lead to health and emotional issues, start limiting their sugar consumption. And please don’t do it by switching to treats artificially sweetened with Splenda or Nutrasweet. They’re even worse than eating sugar! I feel so strongly about their hazards that I’ve written an entire book about them.
Instead of allowing your kids and even yourself to load up on candy bars, hard candy or other sweets, encourage healthier food choices.
You don’t need candy bars anymore, because I’ve developed a bar that is filling, nutritious and delicious!
Find out how you can have a Healthy Halloween by visiting Healthy Energy Bar
About the Author:
Dr. Joseph Mercola is the founder of the number 1 Natural Health Information website and publisher of the FREE Mercola.com health newsletter.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Have a Healthy Halloween at Your House
POLL: Don’t you hate it when….?
People hand out things like toothbrushes, raisens, and other healthy snacks and stuff on Halloween? I WANT CANDY NOT HEALTH FOODS!!!!
Dude, you’ve gotten a toothbrush?
I ALWAYS get chips and candy, and one year I got 50 cents, and Ive never gotten any healthy crap!
I hope that stays the same this year too ^^
Health Halloween Snacks
Rising candy sales this Halloween season could contribute to rising tooth problems. Despite the 500 million visits to Bay area dentists last year, tooth decay remains a significant problem Americans spending more money on candy this Halloween could increase job security for dentists. Candy and sweets is proven to lead to tooth decay and painful cavities, a problem affecting millions of people.
While children are filling their mouths with candy; parents and dentists are cringing at what the aftermath may hold. Candy and other sweets are especially harmful. Damaging acids form in the mouth every time children eat sugary snacks and continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes before they are neutralized. Bay area dentists predict that 93 percent of children will splurge on sweets this year.
Bay area dentists predict that the dental health field will grow between nine and 17 percent by 2014. Americans made around 500 million visits to dentists and spent an estimated $84 billion on dental services in 2006. Bay area dentists will continue to perform preventive checkups on younger generations, despite fluoridation of the water supply used to decrease the incidence of tooth decay.
“Tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children aged 2-5 and half of those aged 12-15; cavities are a common problem that begins at an early age.” “More than half of those from low-income backgrounds aged 6-19 years have untreated decay.” Bay area dentists say.
About the Author:
Are you searching for a Bay area dentist, simply visit www.saldana-dds-sf.com. We perform some of the most popular bay area cosmetic dentistry treatments that include porcelain veneers, laser teeth whitening, dental implants, porcelain crowns, dental bonding, invisalign invisible braces and more.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – This Halloween Beware of Too Much Candy
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Kids Make Smart Choices: Healthy Halloween Treats Trump Candy
