10 surprising health benefits of pumpkins
Want to learn more about the many health benefits of pumpkins? Let's dig in.
In case you haven't noticed, pumpkin season is in full swing — and that's great news because, beyond their role as decorations and pie fillings, These orange gourds are packed with nutrients.
Here are some examples.
1. Rich in nutrients
Pumpkins are a nutritional powerhouse, with a one cup serving contating:
209 per cent of the recmmended daily value (DV) of vitamin A
37 per cent of the DV of vitamin K
22 per cent of the DV of vitamin E
7 grams of fibre
22 per cent of the DV of vitamin C
Pumpkins are also loaded with iron, copper, potassium, and vitamin B6, among other things. Think of them as nature's multivitamin.
Load up on pumpkins this year. (Teresa Glover)
2. Supports eye health
The high vitamin A content in pumpkins, in the form of beta-carotene, is essential for maintaining good eyesight. Pumpkins are also loaded with lutein, zinc, and vitamin C, offering your eyes a variety of health-boosting benefits
3. Provides immune system support
The vitamin C in pumpkins works overtime, helping your eyes and immune system. This vitamin helps produce white blood cells and supports the body's defense against infections.
4. Pumpkins are heart-healthy
A cup of pumpkin will get you around 14 per cent of the DV of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and can reduce the risk of stroke. In other words, your heart will thank you.
Low in calories and full of nutrients: What's not to like? (Calvin Hansen Pictures)
5. Help with weight management
Pumpkins are low in calories, with a cup containing about 40 calories. They're also rich in fibre, which will help you feel full longer, which can help you consume fewer calories.
Visit our Complete Guide to Fall 2023 for an in-depth look at the Fall Forecast, tips to plan for it and much more!
6. Zinc heals your skin
Zinc is plentiful in pumpkins, and that's great news for your skin. Zinc can help combat acne, improve skin tone, and promote healing.
7. Pumpkins promote healthy bones
Pumpkins contain essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Pumpkins: They're more than just holiday decor. (Kitty Yip)
8. They'll help you feel good
Allow me to introduce you to tryptophan, an amino acid ound in pumpkins that regulates mood. It does that by aiding in the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that mediates feelings of happiness and optimism. Consuming pumpkin seeds may contribute to better mental well-being.
9. Give your digestive health a boost
The fibre in pumpkins aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation, and the water content keeps the digestive tract hydrated.
Your heart will thank you if you indulge in pumpkins this fall. (Mark Hopper)
10. Anti-inflammatory properties
Pumpkins contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help reduce chronic disease risk and alleviate symptoms of inflammation.
Ways to enjoy pumpkins
Incorporating pumpkins into your diet can be easy and versatile. You can enjoy them in soups, roasted as a side dish, or blended into smoothies. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted and sprinkled on salads or enjoyed as a healthy snack. Other popular pumpkin dishes include:
Pumpkin curries
Pumpkin ravioli
Muffins
-Pumpkin bread -Pumpkin chili
... the list is endless. Thanks to the internet, you've got every conceivable pumpkin recipe at your fingertips.
Happy eating!
VIDEO: Tips for picking the perfect pumpkin
Header image: File photo via Getty Images.
