The autumn climate is dry, and increasing the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A and vitamin E can enhance the body's immunity and be very beneficial for alleviating autumn dryness symptoms. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin E. The β-carotene it contains can be converted into vitamin A after being absorbed by the human body. Vitamin A combines with protein to form rhodopsin, which plays an important role in vision.
Therefore, a deficiency in carotene can lead to serious consequences such as night blindness or even total blindness, which is more pronounced in children. The famous Qing Dynasty physician Chen Xiuyuan said: "Pumpkin is a wonderful blood-nourishing food." Regular consumption of pumpkin can keep bowel movements smooth and improve skin condition, especially for women, it has a beauty-enhancing effect.
Pumpkin can be prepared in many ways, such as in congee, steamed, simmered, or cooked with rice. You can make pumpkin and black rice congee using 200 grams of pumpkin, 150 grams of black rice, and 60 grams of red dates. Wash the pumpkin, remove the stem, cut it open, remove the seeds, and slice it. Wash the black rice and red dates. Put everything in a pot, add 1000 ml of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and cook until the rice is soft. Alternatively, you can steam 150 grams of pumpkin, then add 40 grams of sugar, 250 ml of milk, and 1 egg to make a pumpkin puree suitable for children.
Do not eat too much pumpkin. When you consume an excessive amount of β-carotene from eating too much pumpkin, it can deposit in the stratum corneum of the skin. As a result, areas like the nose, philtrum, around the eyes, or parts of the body with more skin folds may turn a lemon-yellow color. This condition is called carotenemia. Therefore, when consuming pumpkin, it is best not to exceed the amount of one staple meal per day.