With pumpkin season upon us and Halloween just round the corner, let's examine the numerous health benefits of this delicious multi-purpose vegetable.
The nutritional makeup of pumpkin, including its high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, makes this vegetable a healthy choice for this season's recipes - whilst pumpkin seeds also make a tasty, healthy snack.
Immunity Booster: According to Maggie Michalczyk, RDN: “Pumpkin is high in antioxidants and packed with vitamins A and C, all of which help strengthen our immune system in different ways… Another reason to include it in our diets in the colder months.” (If you would like some tasty pumpkin recipes, take a look at her website.) Furthermore, a report published in Applied Food Research shows that integrating pumpkin into your diet will enhance immunity, assisting your body in fighting off infections.
Good For Your Skin: In addition to vitamins A and C, pumpkins also contain vitamin E. These three vitamins are good for your skin because A helps prevents UV damage to skin cells, C helps in the formation of collagen and the hydration of skin, whilst E is an antioxidant that protects against free radicals.
Good For Your Eyes: Pumpkin’s high concentration of vitamins and antioxidants benefits your eyes as well as your skin. In the body, beta-carotene, which gives pumpkin its brilliant color, transforms into vitamin A, which is essential for keeping healthy vision. Pumpkin also includes lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which have been linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
High in Fiber: Fiber not only helps with regularity, but it also helps with cholesterol lowering and blood sugar stabilization. Pumpkin’s prebiotic fiber feeds good gut bacteria, promoting healthy digestion.
Cardiovascular Health: Pumpkin’s combination of potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants are all important for heart health. Potassium lowers blood pressure, but fiber lowers cholesterol.
And let's not forget pumpkin seeds. They make a great snack, can be sprinkled on dishes or added to smoothies. The seeds are high in plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and zinc - and will provide a healthy boost for your skin and your immune system.