The first recorded use of the of the word “pumpkin” is in the fairytale Cinderella.The word stems from the Greek word “Pepon” meaning large melon. The word was altered to fit English pronunciations, and bibbity, boppity, boo the term “pumpkin” was born. The new word was popularized and spread through colonist’s folklore, including “Cinderella” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
Pumpkins were once believed to be a cure for freckles. In the 19th century a pumpkin face mask mixed with honey and salt was believed to be the cure for this unwanted ailment. Although they can’t wash away your freckles, pumpkins have been proven to enhance your complexion.
Pumpkin’s bright orange color should tell you that it’s packed with caretonoids like natural beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Those nutrients protect your eyesight and soften fine lines. So even though pumpkins are carved to look creepy, save the insides of them because they can make you look pretty.
One cup of pumpkin contains only 49 calories and over 100% of your daily suggested intake of vitamin A! Pumpkins have also shown to have many health benefits including reducing wrinkles, lowering cholesterol, and aiding your night vision.
