Pumpkins and Beta-carotene

     Pumpkin is a tasty fruit.  It's a fruit because it has seeds.  Pumpkins are orange.  When made to be an ingredient, the food will be tinted orange.  There are numerous ways to partake of the delicious gourd. Choose one, and enjoy it for all of the benefits it gives.

     Pumpkins and pumpkins' seeds simultaneously supplement healthy diets.  Pumpkin pulp is a superb source of Beta-carotene. 

     Beta-Carotene Molecular Formula: C40H56

     Carotenoids are red, orange, and yellow pigments.  Beta-carotene is a carotenoid.  Incidentally, Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is derived from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

     Biosynthesis of carotenoids-

     The pathway begins with three molecules of acetyl CoA.  Those three acetyl CoA molecules plus mevalonic acid, synthesize isopentanyl pyrophosphate(IPP).  In the succeeding step of the pathway, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate(GGPP) is produced by the condensation of dimethyl allyl pyrophosphate(DMAPP) with a molecule of isopentanyl pyrophosphate(IPP).  It is followed by the addition of two IPP units using GGPP synthase.  A two molecule reaction between  GGPP yields phytoene. The phytoene enzyme is faithful in the biosynthesis of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. The first C40 hydrocarbon, an important intermediate of phytoene, undergoes a series of desaturation reactions resulting in the formation of zeta-carotene(2-carotene) and lycopene.  Four desaturase reactions are catalysed by two related enzymes: phytoene desaturase(PDS) and 2-zeta-carotene desaturases (ZDS). The enzyme introduces double bonds in the phytoene. Lycopene has a pink color. The products yield carotene with two types of rings, B and E rings.  B rings yield beta- carotene, and E rings yield alpha-carotene.  The pathway branches at this point. The enzyme lycopene-beta-cyclases are responsible for cyclization of lycopene.  Two beta-rings are introduced at the ends of the linear lycopene molecule. 

     Beta-carotene uses:

     Decreases (exercise-induced) asthma.  It also prevents certain cancers, age related macular degeneration(AMD), treats AIDS,  alcoholism, Alzheimer's, alcoholism, disease, depression, epilepsy,  headache, heartburn, high blood pressure, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, and skin disorders(psoriasis and vitiligo).

     Beta-carotene is used to treat malnourished women by reducing the chance of death and night blindness during pregnancy. The treatment is also aimed toward stopping diarrhea and fever after giving birth.

     Some people who sunburn easily, including those with an inherited disease called erthyropoietic protoporphyria(EPP), use beta-carotene to reduce the risk of sunburn.

     There are many authorities – including the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the World Cancer Research Institute in association with the American Institute for Cancer Research, and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer – that recommend getting beta-carotene and other antioxidants from food instead of supplements. Eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily provides 6-8 mg of beta-carotene.

     Pumpkin can be prepared in a wide array of scrumptious ways. For example: Protein Pumpkin Pie with Whey Protein Recipe (https://www.gnc.com/health-articles-tips/recipes/protein-pumpkin-pie.html):

2 (9-inch) deep-dish, unbaked pie crusts

5 eggs

2 ½ cups canned pumpkin

6 scoops- GNC performance Whey

1 2/3 cups sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

2 cans fat-free evaporated milk

     Light whipped cream (optional)

     The pie should be placed on bake, and allowed to cool. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream.

     Pumpkin is a healthy source of vitamins and nutrients.  It is packed with Beta-carotene.

Election Promises

      Since the current president has taken office, the news hasn't ceased to place him directly in the headlines.  We, the people, have been relentlessly reminded of his long list of election promises.

     An election promise or campaign promise is a guarantee, made to the public, by a candidate that is trying to win an election.

     Scrutinizing campaign declarations provides us with the fact that candidates make increasing numbers of promises to constituents.  Americans don't believe that candidates will follow through on their promises.  Regardless of public perception, election promises function to spark an interest in that specific candidate.  These campaign declarations will accomplish similar if not the same goals, upon election day.

          "In 1960, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon squared off in the first televised presidential debates in American history. The Kennedy-Nixon debates not only had a major impact on the election’s outcome, but ushered in a new era in which crafting a public image and taking advantage of media exposure became essential ingredients of a successful political campaign (https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/kennedy-nixon-debates)."

         
     It is common knowledge that President Nixon, number 37, was virtually impeached after the Watergate Scandal.  He pre-impeachment-resigned in 1974. Election promises became a major staple on politician plates pre-apropos presidency.
    
     A plethora of promises have been made by smiling men, climbing the ladder leaning on the position of Commander-in-Chief.

     Examples:

     President Gerald Ford, number 38- in 1974, when it became clear that Nixon would face criminal charges for his role in the Watergate Scandal and three articles of impeachment had been passed by the House Judiciary Committee, Nixon resigned.  It was August 9. On that day, Ford took the oath of office and became president, stating, “Our long national nightmare is over."  Gerald Ford pledged to continue Nixon's foreign policy.  He also promised to work to reduce inflation. One month later, President Ford issued a complete pardon to Nixon for all criminal acts perpetrated while he was President.

     President Jimmy Carter, number 39- in 1976, Jimmy was probably the lowest on the totem pole. However, in a time of deep frustration with establishment politicians, Carter's anonymity proved to be an advantage. He campaigned on: reducing government waste, balancing the budget and increasing government assistance to the poor. However, Jimmy Carter won on status and integrity. "I'll never tell a lie," Carter famously declared. "I'll never avoid a controversial issue." "A Leader, For a Change."

     President Ronald Reagan, number 40- in 1980, Reagan chose Bush as his running mate, and promised steep tax cuts, increased defense spending, a balanced budget, and a constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

      President George H.W. Bush, number 41- as Vice President, Bush had responsibility in several domestic areas, including Federal deregulation and anti-drug programs. In 1988 Bush won the Republican nomination for President and, with Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate, he defeated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis in the general election.  He pledged to round out some of the harsher edges of the previous administration, stating that he wanted "a kinder and gentler nation." And famously, he promised not to raise taxes: "Read my lips: no new taxes."

     President Bill Clinton, number 42-1992, facing incumbent President Clinton and his running mate, Tennessee Sen. Al got that 12 years of Republican leadership had led to political and economic stagnation.  Clinton had promised during the campaign to institute a system of universal health insurances, and to balance the budget.

     President George W. Bush Jr., Number 43- as gov. he implemented the philosophy of "compassionate conservatism," which combined limited government with concern for the underprivileged and personal responsibility.  He promised big tax cuts, new medical-drug benefits for the elderly, a major overhaul of Social Security, and commitment to public education.

     President Barack Obama, number 44- pledged and promised to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He promised to deliver a public healthcare plan.

      President Donald Trump, number 45- promised to ban Muslims entering the US.   He also promised to build a wall along the border with Mexico, and make Mexico pay for it.

     Election promises that have been granted are a completely different topic.  There is a sensitive slope caused by election promises.  Campaign promises, or election promises are very important.

     Keep watching the news. Vote.