The pumpkin is full of treasures! Starch and high potassium content, these two groups should not eat too much

Pumpkin is a superfood that can be steamed, boiled, fried or stir-fried. Nutritionists point out that pumpkin is rich in nutrients and is a treasure all over. However, many people regard pumpkin as a "vegetable". However, because it is starchy and high in potassium, patients with diabetes and kidney disease must be more careful when eating it to avoid excessive intake and cause physical burden.

Nutritionist Cai Wanrui from Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital pointed out that in Taiwan, pumpkins can be produced almost all year round and are deeply loved by the people. It can be used as a staple food, a dessert, or as medicine. The flesh is delicate and dense, with a soft and sweet texture, and it tastes delicious without seasoning. The seeds are dried and become pumpkin seeds, which are the best snack for drinking tea and chatting.

Pumpkin low-calorie seeds help stabilize blood sugar

According to the "Taiwan Food Nutrition Database", pumpkin contains only 49 calories per 100 grams, which is the same as sweet potato (109 calories), potato (77 calories), taro (115 calories), and yam (84 calories). It is a low-calorie food rich in fiber, vitamin A, beta-carotene and potassium.

Pumpkin is a root food that contains starch. Because it is high in fiber, it can slow down the rise in blood sugar. In addition, pumpkin seeds have a protective effect on the male urinary prostate system because they contain more unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. The rich magnesium in pumpkin seeds can reduce the occurrence of diabetes and glucose intolerance.

Pumpkin is a superfood, but two groups should not eat too much

Nutritionist Tsai Wan-rui emphasized that from a nutritional point of view, pumpkin is a treasure from head to toe. It is rich in various vitamins and minerals and high in dietary fiber, and can be called a "superfood." However, because pumpkin is starchy and high in potassium, the following two groups should limit their intake:

1. Diabetic patients: In principle, it is recommended that if diabetic patients eat 1 bowl of pumpkin (about 200 grams), the staple food of the meal should be reduced by about 1/3 bowl (about 75 grams), and part of the rice should be replaced by pumpkin. Only in this way can blood sugar be successfully controlled after the meal.

2. People with high blood potassium: such as those with chronic kidney disease or dialysis patients, should avoid eating or reduce the amount of consumption (about 50 to 100 grams per day). When eating, they need to reduce the intake of other potassium-containing foods to prevent the occurrence of hyperkalemia.

In addition, there are three common types of pumpkins on the market, and nutritionist Cai Wanrui gives recommendations based on the characteristics of different pumpkins.

1. Oriental pumpkin: It has a long papaya-like appearance and is a common variety in Taiwan. It is suitable for making pumpkin porridge, pumpkin soup or pumpkin rice noodles.

2. Pumpkin: Most are orange and round in shape, suitable for making pumpkin soup or pumpkin pie.

3. Chestnut pumpkin: This is a Japanese variety with a delicate and dense taste. It is recommended to be braising or stewing.

【Steamed Pumpkin with Shredded Ginger】

• Ingredients: Wash and cut 200g pumpkin, remove the seeds and slice it, wash and cut a little ginger into shreds, and add a little salt.

• Method: Place the sliced ​​pumpkin on a plate, put the shredded ginger on top, and steam in an electric rice cooker for 20 minutes until cooked through. The finished product can be used as a daily dish or breakfast staple.

• Efficacy: Low in calories, helps with weight loss, and stabilizes blood sugar.