Chase away the autumn blues – sweet pumpkin seed butter for cheerfulness and good humor

When autumn rains begin and the cold and wind overwhelm nature, the days go by and darkness presses on us, so in this period we often feel sadness, sowing and longing. Autumn is by nature such that it triggers in us a melancholy known as the autumn blues . We often translate such feelings into songs, photos, expressions through dance, music or painting, and this is a healthy way to awaken emotions and cope with melancholy. If that feeling begins to grow and push us toward loneliness, apathy, psychological fatigue, loss of energy and depression, we must seriously confront it. Daily physical activity and healthy eating are simple and preventative steps for emotional health during the fall. We often forget that more movement brings vitality and improves mood, whether it is walking through nature, yoga, Pilates or some other activity that requires at least 20 minutes of commitment. Our diet also has a direct effect on our bodies, not only as food but also as a cure. In order for our body system to function properly, it needs vitamins and minerals. Although minerals come in traces, they calm the body and improve mood and play an important role in nervous system health and emotional balance. Sweet taste is also important in the fall because it nourishes all body tissues and nerves. Sweet food gives us energy, a sense of happiness and contentment, cheerfulness and calmness. Of course, in doing so, sugary foods must be healthy and moderate.In the fall season, the main star and untouchable queen of autumn is dear to everyone – pumpkins ! It stands out with its gorgeous orange color, which tells us it’s great for skin because it’s rich in beta-carotene. Beta carotene is transformed in our body into precious vitamin A, which contributes to the beauty of the skin, maintaining healthy vision and healthy nervous system function. Of course, there are also vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, E and K.  Pumpkin is rich in cellulose, potassium, iron, protein, carbohydrates and fats, so it is no surprise that it is the perfect health food and a must-have part of the autumn menu around the world.  But here we will not stop, but move on, to the very heart of the pumpkin, where the precious superfood is hidden – pumpkin seeds!Pumpkins or pumpkin seeds do not lag far behind in their benefits. The green color of the peeled seeds tells us that they are rich in antioxidants that nourish our cells and protect them from damage and premature aging. Their richness of Vitamin E gives the skin its beauty and radiant complexion and is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin K and is an excellent source of minerals such as iron, potassium, manganese, calcium, zinc and selenium. Pumpkin seeds warm the body, improve memory, balance blood sugar, build healthy bones, strengthen the heart and blood, and lower cholesterol. They work against fungi and parasites in the gut. They balance hormones so they are great for both women and men because they support prostate health. These green seeds are great for not only physical but also mental health. They are soothing, stimulate good mood and cheerfulness, while reducing anxiety, memory, fatigue and depression. For all these reasons, it is very useful to include pumpkin seeds in your daily menu. So let’s start with the recipe …

Pumpkin Seed Butter Sweet – for cheerfulness and good cheer

If you are used to throwing pumpkin seeds (butternut, hokkaido, ibiza, caboose), don’t do it again. The preparation of the seeds is very simple. Pumpkin seeds are well woven into cellulose fibers, so separate them as best you can and then soak them in salt water for a few hours. Salt water will help release the fibers from the seed envelopes and will allow them to be more easily separated. After a few hours, remove the seeds, wipe them with a paper towel and allow them to dry overnight. Once the seeds have dried, arrange them in one layer on a baking sheet lined with greasy, parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 120-140 ° C for about 12-15 minutes (depending on the oven). ingredients:

• 1 cup of peeled pumpkin seeds,
• 1-2 teaspoons of organic olive or sunflower oil,
• 2 teaspoons of raw honey (or maple syrup , brown sugar),
• a pinch of salt (optional),
• a pinch of cardamom or vanilla,
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional).

Preparation: Before you start making the butter, peel the seeds until you have filled one cup. Making pumpkin seed butter is so simple that it won’t be a problem for you to make a fine dessert in no time, which you can use in many ways. If you like the salty variant, simply throw out honey and sweet spices. When ground, pumpkin seeds will not release as much natural oil as sunflower seeds, which is why oil is added to this butter as needed.

1. Insert the seeds into the blender and turn it on at high speed to turn the seeds into a green mixture.
2. Add gradually oil and gently mix all ingredients.
3. Scrape the sides of the bowl between each processing step until the mixture is creamy and the desired smoothness. Finally, mix spices and honey at low speed.

And voila, your sweet spread is ready to use. ? Pumpkin seed butter has a great peanut-like flavor and it fits perfectly on just about anything. Use it as a spread on toast, in pancakes, sandwiches, on roasted vegetables or in salads, soups, stews… The choice is, of course, left to you.