7 Health benefits of pumpkin, you need to know
Pumpkin is often used for Halloween decorations and for spooky stuff. What many of us don’t know is that pumpkin has way more health benefits than just that. Coming from the family of Cucurbitaceae, it is a type of winter squash. Although it is commonly called a vegetable, scientifically pumpkin is a fruit. Let us look at some health benefits of this wonderful fruit/ vegetable…
Health benefits of pumpkin:
Heavily rich in Vitamin A
Yes, pumpkin is a really good source of Vitamin A. A single pumpkin meets 245% of reference daily intake (RDI) of Vitamin A. It is also a good source of beta carotene (usually associated with carrots). It is also a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, thus reducing the risk of eye-related degenerative diseases.
Antioxidant-rich
As mentioned before, pumpkin contains good amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin E which are antioxidants. Antioxidants protect us against oxidative damage and diseases that are facilitated by free radicals like Diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, etc.
Boosts immune system
As pumpkin is a good source of Vitamins A, C, and E it is fair enough to assume that consuming pumpkin improves immunity. Pumpkin is also a good source of Lutein and Zeaxanthin which helps in preventing occurrences of cataracts or age-related degeneration of the eyes.
Good for Digestion
Pumpkin plays an important role in relieving digestion related issues. Vitamin A can help in improving immunity and our digestive system is also a part of it. As pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin A there is a decrease in digestion-related issues due to the consumption of this food.
Good for weight loss
Not only is pumpkin nutrient-rich but also it has a low caloric count. Pumpkin is made up of 94% water. Hence it acts as a diuretic. It is also packed with soluble fiber; which helps curb your hunger pangs and promotes satiety.
Other nutrients
Yes, that’s not the end of this wonder food! Pumpkin is also a good source of Calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These three nutrients help in the modulation of blood pressure. Pumpkin is also a good source of iron. A single (245gms) pumpkin can meet 8% of RDI of iron.
Don’t throw the seeds away!
Pumpkin seeds are pretty beneficial too. It’s a good source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron.
Apart from the above benefits, pumpkin contains beneficial amino acids that can help in the muscle building as well as numerous phytochemicals and phenolic acids. So what are you waiting for? Buy a pumpkin today itself!
