Pumpkins are healthy fruits loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. This article teaches 10 benefits of adding pumpkins to your diet.
Beta Carotene Boost
Pumpkins contain beta-carotene that your body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin protects you from germs and helps your reproductive system function properly. It’s also vital in keeping your heart, lungs, and kidneys healthy.
Reduces Your Cancer Risk
Pumpkins contain carotenoids that can reduce your risk of developing pancreatic, throat, stomach, and breast cancer.
Improve Your Sight
A cup of pumpkin gives you 200% of your recommended daily vitamin A intake. This helps your eyes stay healthy and see better in low-light conditions.
Help Hypertension
Pumpkin is loaded with potassium, which is vital in lowering blood pressure. Its unsalted seeds also contain plant sterols and minerals that boost HDL cholesterol levels and keep blood pressure numbers down.
Boost Your Immunity
Pumpkins contain multiple vitamins that strengthen your immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and iron. This also helps your cells work better to fight germs and improve healing when you get injured.
Tummy Trimming
If you’re looking for a healthy way to fill up, pumpkins are an excellent choice. They are packed with fiber and low in calories. This means they help you feel full without adding to your daily food intake. The fiber also promotes digestive health, which prevents constipation and indigestion.
High Potassium Content
Thanks to their high potassium levels, pumpkins can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and kidney stones. They can also boost your bone health by increasing bone density.
Soothes Your Skin
The antioxidant abilities of pumpkin’s beta-carotene can fight the effects of aging on your skin. It also eases inflammation, keeping your skin and body happier and calmer.
Sleep Better
Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body create serotonin. This chemical also plays a vital role in promoting good sleep as it assists in the regulation of your sleep-wake cycle.
Helps Your Heart
With its high fiber content, pumpkin can reduce your risk of heart disease. The presence of vitamin A and potassium also helps your heart function properly.
What Is The Best Way To Eat Pumpkin?
According to experts, the best way to enjoy pumpkin’s health benefits is to avoid the sugar and processing of baked goods or pumpkin flavor. Instead, you should eat roasted pumpkin, pumpkin hummus, pumpkin puree, or pumpkin soup.
Conclusion
Pumpkin offers many health benefits for your heart, skin, and immune system. It can also reduce your risk of chronic diseases. You can eat it safely as a soup or roast it with other vegetables.
