Pumpkin is one such humble ingredient that is usually in demand around Halloween and lays dormant on the grocery store’s shelves for the rest of the year! The even sadder fact is that most people tend to grab a can of pumpkin puree more often than take it home in the fresh avatar. Maybe it is because of the ease of cooking or the convenience of cutting/ chopping, which modifies their preference for pre-cooked preservatives-rich food products instead of nutrient-rich food products.
Here is how consuming this member of the squash family, in the fresh form, can benefit your health and help you lead a healthy, happy life!
RICH IN NUTRIENTS
Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Apart from that, it also contains a good amount of potassium, copper, manganese, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, and calcium. It is free from cholesterol and very low in calories too. You can easily consume up to 80 grams of raw pumpkin in a day.
PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS
Its low-calorie content is specifically beneficial for people aiming to lose excess body weight. Each cup of pumpkin (nearly 250 grams) provides under 50 calories, out of which 94% is just water content. Pumpkin is also a good source of fiber, which helps to curb our appetite.
GOOD FOR SKIN
It’s high vitamin C and vitamin A content is especially beneficial for our skin health. This vegetable specifically benefits from delaying the signs of aging, making our skin glowing, acts as a natural sunblock, and maintaining the skin’s softness.
IMPROVES EYE HEALTH
Studies show that people who include plenty of vitamin A-rich nutrients are better at not getting vitamin A deficiency-related blindness. This vegetable also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, associated with a lower risk of getting cataract and age-related macular degeneration.
PREVENTS THE RISK OF METABOLIC SYNDROME
Pumpkins contain antioxidants that help neutralize the effect of free radicals, prevent health deteriorating metabolic syndrome, and protect our health. According to research, you can eat pumpkin on a regular basis if you would like to increase your lifespan. It’s not very convenient however, the trick is to cut it into pieces for vacuum sealing.
BOOSTS IMMUNITY
Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and folate- pumpkin is loaded with immunity-boosting nutrients. So, it would help if you procured fresh or raw pumpkin to take advantage of its vital nutrients.
PREVENTS CANCER
Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids, which are lethal antioxidants and protects against several cancers. Studies support alpha-carotene and beta-carotene action to lower the risk of stomach, throat, breast, and pancreas cancers.
BENEFITS HEART HEALTH
Its high potassium, fiber, and vitamin A and C content are highly beneficial to maintain a healthy heart. The nutrients present in pumpkin are also vital to managing blood pressure and protecting against the bad cholesterol’s oxidative action, keeping your heart healthy.
