Pumpkin Season Has Arrived – With A Nutritious Bird Nest Twist
Contributed by
Ying Yih Low*
September 18, 2015
Think Autumn Harvest and sweet golden pumpkins come to mind.
Gifts of love from Mother Earth. Indeed, the pumpkin is a super food that is extremely high in fiber, low in calories, and packs an abundance of disease-fighting nutrients and vitamins.
Our September featured dish is a pot of wholesome, nutritious, creamy Pumpkin Scallop Bird Nests Porridge. Warms the heart and calms the soul. The kind of comfort food I yearn from Grandma’s cooking! A simple yet healthy meal for the family.
Why This Pumpkin Porridge Is Good For You And Your Family
This simple golden creamy porridge is suitable for young toddlers, growing children, nursing mummies, working adults, ladies on a light diet and the elderly. The combination of 3 super foods as its core ingredients: pumpkin, dried scallops, and bird nests, makes it a super awesome dish.
Health Benefits Of Pumpkins
1. Pumpkins can boost your immune system and may reduce cancer risk
The key nutrient that boosts pumpkin to the top of the Superfoods list is the synergistic combination of carotenoids. Pumpkin contains one of the richest supplies of documented carotenoids. Carotenoids are deep orange-, yellow-, or red-colored, fat-soluble compounds that occur in a variety of plants. Carotenes convert into vitamin A inside the body. Foods rich in carotenoids have been linked to a host of health-promoting and disease-fighting activities. They have been shown to decrease the risk of various cancers, including those of the lung, colon, bladder, cervical, breast, and skin.
2. Pumpkins aid weight loss
It is one of the very low calorie vegetables. 100g fruit provides just 26 calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; however, it is rich in dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins. The vegetable is one of the food items recommended by dieticians in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs. A fantastic ingredient in porridge, salads, and sandwiches for those on a light diet.
3. Pumpkins protect the skin and keeps eyesight sharp
Pumpkin is a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C and vitamin-E. Vitamin A is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucusa. It is also an essential vitamin for good visual sight. In addition, pumpkin contains Zea-xanthin, a natural anti-oxidant which has UV (ultra-violet) rays filtering actions in the macula lutea in retina of the eyes. Thus, it may offer protection from “age-related macular disease” (ARMD) in the elderly.
Health Benefits Of Dried Scallops
1. Dried scallops are rich in proteins
In every 100 grams of dried scallop, there are 65.7g of protein, which is 2-3 times of that in chicken, beef or shrimp. A great ingredient in soups and porridge for both young children, working adults and elderly.
2. Dried scallops helps to strengthen the body
A common ingredient in wholesome double boiled Chinese soups, it is consumed to help strengthen weak body, spleen or stomach. It is suitable for people with high cholesterol or high blood pressure. It is also commonly recommended to be used in foods or soups for people who have just finished operation, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. For the aged, regular consumption helps to relieve frequent headache, eye ache and back ache.
Health Benefits Of Bird Nests
1. Bird nests are rich in essential amino acids
Bird Nests are almost entirely proteins and amino acids. Amino acids, being the second largest component in our bodies, are mainly responsible for 3 things: (1) maintaining our bodily functions, (2) muscles and tissue repair and, (3) metabolism. A great supplement food which aids in muscle and tissue repair, especially for those in process of healing and recovering from injury or operations, and for nursing mothers recovering from child birth.
2. Bird nests can boost your immune system
Consuming bird nests on a regular basis can improve blood pressure, increase the body immunity, and nourishes the lungs. It helps to clear chest and aid in curing coughs. Great for both young and old.
3. Bird nests can rejuvenation and repair skin
As a skin care ingredient, its high concentrations of antioxidants, water-soluble glycoprotein, Epidermal Growth Factors, and amino acids are said to fight signs of aging by promoting cell growth and tissue repair. This means smaller pores, firmer skin, less lines and wrinkles. It also improves metabolism, so frequent consumption results in young, radiant and fairer skin. One of the top reasons why ladies love bird nests!
Get the recipe here and cook a nutritious meal for your family today!
King of Nests is having a Mid-Autumn Festival Sale (up to 30% off storewide) until 30 Sept 2015! Check this out to find out more about the promo!
Visit King of Nests page to find out more about bird nests and Ying Yih’s work.
Did you enjoy this post? Please comment, like and share!
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.