8 Amazing Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Did you know that pumpkin is a fruit! Pumpkin is a fruit, which may explain why it tastes so good in pumpkin pie or pumpkin spiced lattes. Pumpkin is full of health benefits, so it’s a treat for the body. The bright orange colour of pumpkin is due to beta-carotene. Pumpkin also contains high levels of vitamin A. This improves vision, fights infection and boosts cell growth. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of fibre and only 50 calories per cup. Pumpkin seeds, while delicious, aren’t as nutritious as the pure pumpkin.
Improves eye health;
Look out! Pumpkin is the key food for good eye health. Pumpkin is high in vitamin A, beta-carotene and other nutrients that help improve light processing and retina function. One cup of pumpkin contains more than 200% of the daily recommended vitamin A level. It also contains lutein, zeaxanthin and powerful antioxidants that protect against macular degeneration and cataracts. Your risk of developing advanced macular degeneration could be reduced by eating pumpkin every week.
It strengthens your immune system.
Pumpkins are a blessing in the autumn, just in time to beat the flu and cold season. One cup of pumpkin contains vitamin C and zinc, in addition to vitamin A and antioxidants. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infections and protects your body from viruses. It could also make immunizations easier. Vitamin A may also protect against autoimmune disorders. Vitamin C and zinc can help speed up your recovery time and make getting rid of your sniffles easier. These are great reasons to eat pumpkin pie all year.
Protect Your Heart
The pumpkin should be one of your top foods if you are concerned about heart health. It has 16% of the daily recommended potassium level, which helps prevent heart disease. Potassium helps maintain strong muscles, regulates blood pressure, balances minerals, lowers cholesterol, and balances your blood sugar levels. These heart-healthy benefits extend beyond pumpkin–any winter squash can do! Mix it up with butternut squash or acorn squash. You can treat your body and soul by adding roasted pumpkins and squashes into salads and pasta dishes. Pumpkin seed oil can also be used in cooking.
Can You Help Fight Cancer?
Carotenoids are a powerful component of squashes and pumpkins. They create beautiful colours like yellow and orange, but they also fight free radicals and may protect you against certain types of Cancer. Research has shown that carotenoids may play a significant role in reducing the risk of breast and colorectal cancers. Beta-carotene, lutein and lutein are two flavonoids found in pumpkin that can slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. This much goodness is in just one cup of pumpkin. It makes sense to start your morning with a colourful pumpkin smoothie (low sugar, of course). ).
It helps you sleep
Forget the turkey; go straight to the pumpkin pie. Why? Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, which increases our sleep hormone melatonin. Tryptophan-rich meals can help you sleep better. Start your meal with chicken, turkey, rice, or tofu. To help you sleep well, pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) can be eaten at bedtime. Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential fatty acids and zinc, which can help you improve your sleep quality. You can also try pumpkin juice before you go to bed if none of these suggestions works.
Keeps you in the loop
Eating pumpkin regularly can help keep your digestive system in sync. Pumpkin is high in fibre, with 7 grams per cup (and only 30 calories). One cup of pumpkin contains 7 grams of fibre. The fibre in your diet can help reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer and type two diabetes. How can you incorporate pumpkin into your daily life? You can add pumpkin puree to soups, stews and chilli. You can also roast pumpkin and serve it on top of your favourite grains. You can even substitute mashed pumpkin for mashed potatoes.
Curbs Hunger
Pumpkin is a great alternative to candy if you cannot resist the temptation. This fibre-rich fruit (yes, it is a fruit!) helps you feel fuller for longer periods and keeps hunger pangs at bay. You might be able to resist the temptation of afternoon snacks by adding pumpkin to your lunch or drinking pumpkin juice after a workout. According to research, carotenoids may also help prevent fat storage around the midsection. High blood levels of carotenoids are associated with healthier bodies. Avoid sugary pumpkin treats, and instead, opt for pure pumpkin.
Healthy Skin
Not only are pumpkins beautiful, but so is everyone else. Pumpkin can improve the appearance of your skin and protect it from sun damage. Vitamin A, the main ingredient in pumpkin, helps protect your skin against UV rays. So take a pumpkin smoothie with you to the beach or pool (along with sunscreen!). For a DIY facial, you can use pumpkin pulp. Combine a quarter cup pure canned pumpkin, one egg, 1 tablespoon milk and 1 tablespoon honey. Let it sit on your face for 20 minutes before you wash it off with warm water.