Why is pumpkin called pumpkin?
On the autumn table, golden pumpkins can always arouse people's appetite and curiosity. This crop, which comes across the ocean, not only carries six hundred years of spread history, but also contains amazing nutritional treasures. Exploring the cross-ocean journey of pumpkins and the cultural imprints of the Silk Road on the Sea. Li Shizhen, a medical scientist in the Ming Dynasty, clearly recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica that pumpkins were first introduced to Fujian and Zhejiang from "Nanfan". By comparing ancient nautical charts in Southeast Asia with crop transmission routes, scholars found that pumpkin, sweet potatoes, corn and other crops were introduced through the Maritime Silk Road at the same time. This tradition of naming after location is just like the naming logic of "watermelon" originating from the Western Regions and becoming a living fossil in the history of crop spread. Miracle of adaptive evolution From the hot and humid tropics to the cold northeastern plains, pumpkins have demonstrated amazing environmental adaptability. Its short vine growth cycle and storage-resistant fruit made it quickly become an important disaster relief crop during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Modern agricultural data shows that my country's annual pumpkin output has exceeded 8 million tons, forming three major producing areas in North China, Southwest China and Northeast China. Gut Gut Guards that decode the dietary fiber of the pumpkin nutrition matrix contain 2.4 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams of pumpkin, of which water-soluble pectin accounts for 35%. This natural prebiotic can promote the proliferation of Bifidobacterium and maintain the balance of intestinal flora. Research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture has shown that eating pumpkin for four weeks can increase the frequency of intestinal peristalsis by 28%. Pumpkin, the golden source of vitamin A, has a beta-carotene content that is twice that of carrots, which is equivalent to 145% of the daily vitamin A requirement after conversion by the human body. This fat-soluble vitamin not only maintains retinal health, but also enhances skin barrier function. Japanese beauty experts have found that pumpkin masks can increase skin moisturizing by 42%. The hematopoietic code of trace elements Pumpkin seeds rank among the top in vegetables, with a cobalt content of 0.89mg per kilogram, which is the core component of vitamin B12. Combine it with iron (1.4mg/100g) to form a natural blood-enriching combination. Clinical trials have shown that when women consume 200 grams of pumpkin a day during menstruation, their hemoglobin concentration can rise by 15%. Modern people's health choice In fast-paced life scenarios, pumpkins show multiple application values: low glycemic index (GI value of 65) is suitable for people who control sugar, pumpkin polysaccharide has been experimentally confirmed to enhance T cell activity, retaining 92% of nutrients after cooking. The characteristics meet the needs of convenient cooking. From traditional rice porridge to modern meal substitute powder, this golden fruit continues to glow with new vitality.
When we taste soft, glutinous and sweet pumpkins, we not only chew the delicious food that spans time and space, but also absorb the healthy energy given by nature. This ingredient, which carries the mark of civilized exchanges, is continuing to write its nutritional legend in a scientifically verified way.