This time of year we are surrounded by pumpkin. From pumpkin milkshakes, lattes, ravioli, soups, you name it, they will add pumpkin to it! But most people do not understand that the pumpkin is an extremely healthy food. In fact, pumpkin is on the list of one of the healthiest foods in the world.
 Among its many benefits, pumpkin boasts high levels of Vitamins A, C, E, K, and B, as well as, fiber, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and calcium. Pumpkin is being studied and there is evidence that it helps with heart health, weight loss, eye sight, skin, immune system, mood enhancing qualities, diabetes, and even in some cases cancer. Pumpkin flesh and seeds have an amazing ability to stabilize blood sugars, which makes it a great choice when you are attempting to lose weight or combat diabetes. Pumpkin is a power house that helps a myriad of health issues by providing a rich source of nutrients sorely lacking in our modern diets.
Pumpkin seeds are more than just a Halloween and Thanksgiving treat. These seeds, eaten raw or slightly roasted, have all the same benefits as the flesh of the pumpkin, but they also contain a rich source of the omega 3 fatty acids, meaning they have an amazing anti-inflammatory effect on the body. There are studies being conducted which state that pumpkin seed oil can rival prescription arthritis medications without any of the side effects. To learn more about the incredible benefits of pumpkin seeds on the human body, click here.
For our animals, pumpkin can be given fresh made or canned for added nutrition. (Let me reiterate this last statement, fresh, freshly-cooked, or canned pumpkin, not your 2 week old jack-o-lantern that is rotting!) For dogs and cats the addition of this to their feed can help with diarrhea or constipation because of the additional fiber. Also, because pumpkin is approximately 90% water, it provides additional moisture and hydration which is beneficial whether your pets are sick or healthy. Plus, all the added benefits mentioned above in vitamins and minerals will be the same for your pets.
While my rabbit, Sugar, was sick with gastric stasis, canned pumpkin was one of the suggestions that I was given by the vet. She stated that the additional fiber would help keep his digestive track moving, once the medication started working.
Our chickens, on the other hand, benefit greatly from pumpkins this time of year, especially. While it is controversial in the poultry world, we believe that pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are natural wormers. We have never wormed our chickens with commercial products. If we ever saw signs of worms, we would definitely have a fecal test performed by a veterinarian and treat them according to the instructions given. Natural and herbal remedies are a wonderful way to prevent many common issues in poultry, but if something happens, make sure to treat them appropriately, while also using the herbs and natural supplements to boost their immune system.
References: The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable by Juliette de Bairacli Levy, 1952.
