It seems that no Halloween festivities would be complete without a decorative pumpkin or two. According to History.com, the act of carving pumpkins into all manner of jack-o'-lanterns first sprung forth hundreds of years ago in Ireland. Back then, jack-o'-lanterns were made from turnips or potatoes. It would take a migration of Irish immigrants to America and their discovery of this plentiful winter squash native to North and Central America that pumpkins and Halloween would be united.

Sadly, Halloween is usually where our fascination with pumpkins ends. By Nov. 1, pumpkins suddenly have outlived their decorative purpose and it's into the trash they go. According to a 2019 report in The Atlantic, every year, "more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkin get tossed out and left to rot in America's landfills."

This is done with nearly half the nation unaware that pumpkins are not only edible but they are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and rate high in nutritional value. According to Hubbub, an environmental charity organization, only an estimated 59% of people are aware that pumpkins can be eaten. It's a good bet that some of these folks don't know that every part of this tasty fruit, a cousin to the melon family, can be consumed, including the seeds and skin.

As an article on health.com reminds us, we should look at pumpkins as "more than a flavor enhancer for seasonal treats." They can provide impressive health benefits when consumed. If we repeatedly overloaded our landfills with discarded unopened health-protecting pharmaceuticals once a year, nobody would stand for it. When it's tons of unconsumed pumpkins with their health-enhancing benefits unused, it's hardly given a thought.

Just as food can be medicine, the following are some of the top health benefits derived from eating pumpkin. According to health.com, some data shows that pumpkin peel can be helpful in supporting gut health as it contains a property that reduces bile acid while supporting the growth of gut microbiota.

It is well known that a diet rich in antioxidants is often recommended in reducing cancer risk. "Pumpkin has been investigated for its anti-cancerous properties, in part, because of its rich antioxidant content," writes health.com contributor Lauren Manaker. "It has been reported that the risk of several types of cancer, such as breast, rectal, and lung cancer, is lower among those who consume more pumpkin seeds."

A pumpkin is packed with the eye health-supporting vitamin A. It is also low in sodium, another aspect of this food that may benefit healthy blood pressure. In addition, "pumpkin is a natural source of many nutrients that supports heart health, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium," says Manaker. In short, they are so much more than holiday decor.

But let's not stop there. There are so many other food options readily available to help you better enhance your health. According to Healthline, anxiety is one of the world's most prevalent mental health conditions. In many cases, medication is often required as a main course of treatment, but there are many food choices that can help ease anxiety due to their brain-boosting properties.

According to Healthline, the herb chamomile is believed to help reduce anxiety given its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower inflammation associated with anxiety. How it works remains unclear.

As an example, "one 38-week randomized study in 179 people with generalized anxiety disorder (showed) a significantly greater reduction in symptoms after consuming 1,500 milligrams of chamomile extract per day compared to those who did not," reports Healthline.

Turmeric is a spice well known for its elevated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains the compound curcumin, which has been the subject of some minor studies for its role in promoting brain health and preventing anxiety disorders. In one small, randomized crossover study, "consuming 1 gram of curcumin per day for 30 days was shown to significantly lower anxiety scores, compared to a placebo," notes the report.

Another food item that is becoming well known for its potential health benefits is dark chocolate. It is believed that incorporating some dark chocolate into your diet might help ease anxiety. Says Healthline, dark chocolate contains flavonols such as epicatechin and catechin, plant compounds that act as antioxidants. "Some research suggests that the flavonols found in dark chocolate may benefit brain function and have neuroprotective effects," they add. "More research investigating dark chocolate's long-term effects on anxiety and mood is needed."

According to the Healthline report, the bottom line to all of this is that "along with medication and therapy, the foods you eat may help support your mental health, reduce anxiety symptoms, and promote better brain health. In particular, whole, minimally-processed foods high in antioxidants appear beneficial."

One last item to add to your grocery list — okra. Says a Cleveland Clinic report, "it's time to say OK to OK-ra!"

Says registered dietitian and program coordinator of Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital's Weight Management program, Sereen Zawahri Krasuna, "Okra may not be at the top of most people's grocery lists, but it's easier than you'd think to use it in the kitchen. Okra's health benefits definitely make it worth the effort."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. "Okra contains beneficial antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Its disease-fighting nutrients promote heart health, blood sugar management and better digestion. Okra also boosts bone health due to its calcium and vitamin K content," says the Cleveland Clinic report.

Okra is also full of polyphenols. Studies show that this antioxidant can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation associated with heart disease. It might also help manage blood sugar.

"Fruits and vegetables aren't usually known for boosting bone health, but okra is a rare exception," notes the report. It is an excellent source of calcium, which is important for strong bones. It is also full of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin that your body needs for growing and maintaining bone strength.

There are many ways to eat okra, says Krasuna. "And don't worry about removing the seeds because (like pumpkin) you can eat them."

Follow Chuck Norris through his official social media sites, on Twitter @chucknorris and Facebook's "Official Chuck Norris Page." He blogs at http://chucknorrisnews.blogspot.com. To find out more about Chuck Norris and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.

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