Pumpkin Seeds

"I haven't seen you all week, I'm dying for a dose of you."
-actress Julianne Moore
to actor Colin Firth in the
2009 Tom Ford film
"A Single Man"

Pumpkin seeds are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin and packed with magnesium. These seeds contain high levels of the mineral and are associated with lower risk for early death.

Eat pumpkin seeds roasted as a snack, or sprinkled on salad.

Here are TEN health benefits of Pumpkin Seeds:

Prostate Protection-They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.

Improved Bladder Function-In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.

Depression Treatment-They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.

Prevention of Osteoporosis-Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory-Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention of Kidney Stones-They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.

Treatment of Parasites-They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails.

Great Source of Magnesium-1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.

Lower Cholesterol-Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Cancer Prevention-The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.

Don't overdo it. Pumpkin seeds have been known to cause upset stomach in some people. I was at Whole Foods and bought a bag full of RAW pumpkin seeds and ate the whole bag while watching TV one night. I spent a major part of the next day with frequent visits to the toilet. Like everything else eat 'only in moderation'. Don't make it your entire diet in one sitting.

Twenty-five years ago today:

February 7, 1985
Thursday

PHOTO:
Paloma Sanchez-Guerra, 1985

I telephoned Paloma to verify our talk on Tuesday night. We talked about she, me and Carmella all going to Concord's BAXTER's. It's all a 'go', so I think I am going out again tonight.

Cindy Chow is a nice enough confidant. I brought in some family pictures and showed them to Cindy as well as Karyn, Stephanie, Barbara, Margaret and a few to Hal. Hal was curious to see them, so I obliged.

I spent my lunch hour visiting Great Western, Security Pacific Bank and the American Express shop. I received the $800 check from Marty Louie yesterday. He wrote a cute note about my being able to buy another bicycle now.

I paid Dale his $100 loan immediately. I wrote him a cheerful note of thanks for the temporary loan. We had a conversation later and he was telling me how much he appreciated the note I left for him.

Steffanie Redding sent me a 15-page letter from Fairfield, CA. She's getting too serious, too fast. I think. It reminds me of the Tustin, California gal, Laurie Robertson case. Only this time the stalking includes a four year old daughter named Tabitha. I just hope Tabitha does not have evil powers. Steffanie's letter was interesting and entertaining. I had to telephone her. She knew I would. We talked a bit, without much substance to write about here.

I tried to nap but couldn't. I got ready to drive up to the Berkeley Hills to pick up Paloma. She showed me a couple of the new L.A. leotards she bought. Then we left to get her friend, Carmella.

Carmella turned out to be a tall, Latin, good-looking lady with long, long black hair. It was wild. The three of us each had white russian cocktails. And the '3 of us' all danced together. They were just two of the HOTTEST gals at the club and here I was dancing with both of them! Sometimes Paloma gets harsh and overruling in her tone when talking to Carmella. I can tell they're good buddies. Carmella lives with her boyfriend. She's a nurse at Herrick Hospital.

We all danced up a storm. Karen, the cocktail waitress, was working at BAXTER's on this night but she didn't look so hot this time.
When Karen served me a drink with curious eyes I lifted my chin towards Paloma's direction and said, "Yeah, she's my girlfriend."
"She's very pretty," Karen replied.
I knew that.
Karen continued. "We ought to really maintain our friendship. I've missed not seeing you in quite a while."
Could it be? Now that I am with someone, do I seem more of an attraction?

The evening was fun. The only thing is that I didn't get home until 2:30AM! There will be no going out this weekend. It should be easy to wake up in the morning. It's Friday, right? Yawn.

Men alone can comprehend the rage that a woman excites in the soul of a man when, after showing her his strength, his power, his wisdom, his superiority, the capricious creature bends her head and says, "All that is nothing"; when, unmoved, she smiles and says, "Such things are known to me," as though his power were nought.
-Honroe de Balzac
"Seraphita"