It is very confusing what the difference between a pumpkin and squash is. Both squash and pumpkin belong to the same Cucurbitaceae family. Pumpkin is just one type of squash. In terms of the health benefits of pumpkin, it is a highly nutrient-dense food. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, and also it is low in calories. Due to its natural sweet taste, pumpkin is easy to add in your daily meal like in desserts, soups, and salads.
1. Antioxidants
One of the pumpkin benefits is it is the best-known source of beta carotene. It is an antioxidant that gives orange its vibrant color. Eating foods with a high content of beta carotene can reduce the risk of cancer, protects you against asthma and heart disease, and decreasing the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Many studies recommend adding more pumpkin in the diet to reduce the risk of obesity and overall mortality.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
Pumpkin nutrition is essential in regulating blood pressure. Eating pumpkin is good for the heart because of the fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content. According to the National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, consuming more potassium may also reduce the risk of other cardiovascular disease types. A 2017 Study composed of 2,722 participants recommends that consuming enough potassium is as important as decreasing sodium in high blood pressure treatment.
3. Boost Immune System
Pumpkin good for you because it is packed and loaded with nutrients that boost the body’s immune system. Pumpkin benefits increase white blood cell production because it is high in Vitamin C. A study conducted in people with vitamin A deficiency has a weaker immune system. The result of the study showed that vitamin A could strengthen the immune system and help fight infections. Pumpkin nutrition is high in vitamins A and C, which can help boost your immune system. It is also rich in Vitamin E, iron, folate to strengthen the body’s immune system.
4. Protect Eyesight
The health benefits of pumpkin are it can strengthen the eyesight because of its nutrient content. The beta carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A, and without it, the body will not be able to critical bodily processes, especially in the eye area. There is research conducted that the common cause of blindness in Vitamin A deficiency. Pumpkin is composed of lutein and zeaxanthin, and both of them can lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts that makes pumpkin good for you.
5. Gives Healthy Skin
Pumpkin benefits the skin because of its nutrient content. It is high in carotenoids like beta carotene, which the body turns into Vitamin A. There is a study showed that carotenoids like beta-carotene could act as a natural sunblock. Pumpkin is good for you as it is high in vitamin C that is essential for healthy skin. Your body needs this vitamin to develop more collagen, a protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy.
6. Lower the Risk of Cancer
Cancer is a severe and fatal disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells. A healthy diet and healthy foods are most important in cancer patients. Pumpkin benefits cancer patients because of its carotenoids, which are antioxidants. For the body to fight cancers, free radicals need to be neutralized. A study in humans shows individuals with higher intakes of carotenoids have lower risks of the throat, pancreas, breast, and other cancers.
7. Easy to Add in Daily Diet
Pumpkin is commonly known as traditional Halloween party decoration. However, pumpkin good for you because the flesh provides many health benefits in humans. Unlike other vegetables, it is not difficult to add in your menu because of the color and the naturally sweet taste. Not only the flesh of the pumpkin is edible, but the seeds as well. You can add both flesh and seeds in your daily diet. For the pumpkin flesh, you can cook it as a soup or dessert. You can also add it to salads. For the seeds, you can roast it and serve in a snack.
