All Health’s Breaking Loose:

My mom used to always say, “Don’t be concerned with outward appearance—it’s what’s inside that counts.”

She was right, and so it goes with last week’s topic, “what’s inside” a pumpkin really counts as well. Pumpkin seeds are such amazing body healers, I had to give you this follow up.

Ever had a kidney stone? The pain is right up there with childbirth and will take you to your knees. But studies show that pumpkin seeds prevent calcium oxalate from forming. If you’ve had more than one bout of kidney stones, try adding a handful a day to your diet. And watch what happens to your cholesterol. Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, or compounds that have been found to lower LDL cholesterol. Here’s another bonus: these same phytosterols protect against many cancers!

Everybody is concerned about aging. Pumpkin seeds (let’s refer to them as PS) have natural anti-inflammatory properties. If you reduce inflammation in your body, you are essentially slowing down the rate at which your body is aging. And PS do it without the nasty side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

PS also contain L-tryptophan, which is a boost to anyone prone to depression. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that promotes the production of serotonin, which will calm you down and help you sleep. PS also offer prostate protection and alleviate difficult urination that tends to come along with an enlarged prostate. Because they’re high in zinc, PS are a natural protector against osteoporosis (usually linked to low levels of zinc). Many cultures use PS to treat parasites. Most Americans are low in magnesium, and PS are loaded with it. You’ll get 92% of your daily value of magnesium in just a half cup of PS. Wow, pretty impressive stats from the “stuff” that comes out of a pumpkin!

I feel like running out to buy one of those mylar balloons that says “PS. I LOVE YOU” even though I never got the marketing ploy behind it. Since it’s not important enough to sincerely tell you I love you, I’ll just through it out there. Oh, by the way, this is an afterthought love ya. Huh? That coupled with the fact that those are the initials of my ex-husband, suffice it to say that I have never purchased anything with that slogan on it. Maybe now (smiling) I’ll have a new perspective.

Me and my new perspective will see you in two weeks.

Love & health, Loa

LOA BLASUCCI can be reached at heyloa@aol.com