Besides being packed with vitamins and minerals, pumpkin is also relatively low in calories, as it’s 94% water
It’s also very high in beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body turns into vitamin A.
Moreover, pumpkin seeds are edible, nutritious and linked to numerous health benefits.
Summary Pumpkin
is high in vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. It’s also a great
source of beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body converts into vitamin A.
High Antioxidant Content May Reduce Risk of Chronic Diseases
Free radicals are molecules produced by your body’s metabolic process. Though highly unstable, they have useful roles, such as destroying harmful bacteria.
However, excessive free radicals in your body create a state called oxidative stress, which has been linked to chronic illnesses, including heart disease and cancer.
Pumpkins contain antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. These can neutralize free radicals, stopping them from damaging your cells
Test-tube and animal studies have shown that these antioxidants protect skin against sun damage and lower the risk of cancer, eye diseases and other conditions
However, keep in mind that more human-based research is needed to make health recommendations.
Summary Pumpkin
contains the antioxidants alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin and
many others, which may protect your cells against damage by free radicals.
Packs Vitamins That May Boost Immunity
Pumpkin is loaded with nutrients that can boost your immune system.
For one, it’s high in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.
Studies show that vitamin A can strengthen your immune system and help fight infections. Conversely, people with a vitamin A deficiency can have a weaker immune system.
Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which has been shown to increase white blood cell production, help immune cells work more effectively and make wounds heal faster
Aside from the two vitamins mentioned above, pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin E, iron and folate — all of which have been shown to aid the immune system as well.
Summary Pumpkin
is high in vitamins A and C, which can help boost your immune system. Its
supply of vitamin E, iron and folate may strengthen your immunity as well.
Vitamin A, Lutein and Zeaxanthin May Protect Eyesight
It’s quite common for eyesight to diminish with age.
Fortunately, eating the right nutrients can lower your risk of sight loss. Pumpkin is plentiful in nutrients that have been linked to strong eyesight as your body ages.
For instance, its beta-carotene content provides your body with necessary vitamin A. Research shows that vitamin A deficiency is a very common cause of blindness.
In an analysis of 22 studies, scientists discovered that people with higher intakes of beta-carotene had a significantly lower risk of cataracts, a common cause of blindness.
Pumpkin is also one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds linked to lower risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
Additionally, it contains good amounts of vitamins C and E, which function as antioxidants and may prevent free radicals from damaging your eye cells.
Summary Pumpkins’
high vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin contents may protect your eyes against sight loss, which becomes more common with
age.
Nutrient Density and Low Calorie Count May Promote Weight Loss
Pumpkin is considered a nutrient-dense food.
That means it’s incredibly low in calories despite being packed with nutrients.
In fact, pumpkin clocks in at under 50 calories per cup (245 grams) and consists of about 94% of water.
Simply put, pumpkin is a weight-loss friendly food because you can consume more of it than other carb sources — such as rice and potatoes — but still take in fewer calories.
What’s more, pumpkin is a good source of fiber, which can help curb your appetite.
Summary Pumpkin
is packed with nutrients and yet has under 50 calories per cup (245 grams).
This makes it a nutrient-dense food. I’s also a good source of fiber, which
may suppress your appetite.
Super food Pumpkin
