Pumpkin - eating Health benefits & Medicinal benefits

Pumpkin eating Health benefits & Medicinal benefits

Pumpkin is a type of winter squash (Squash is a family of plants that comes in several different types) that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.

Commonly viewed as a vegetable, pumpkin is scientifically a fruit, as it contains seeds. That said, it’s nutritionally more similar to vegetables than fruits.

Beyond its delicious taste, pumpkin is nutritious and linked to many health benefits.

Here are nutrition and health benefits of pumpkin.

245 grams of cooked pumpkin contains: Calories: 49, Fat: 0.2 grams, Protein: 2 grams, Carbs: 12 grams, Fiber: 3 grams, Vitamin A: 245% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI), Vitamin C: 19% of the RDI, Potassium: 16% of the RDI, Copper: 11% of the RDI, Manganese: 11% of the RDIm, Vitamin B2: 11% of the RDI, Vitamin E: 10% of the RDI, Iron: 8% of the RDI, Small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate and several B vitamins.

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 body turns into vitamin A.

Protect from Bacteria

Free radicals are molecules produced by your body’s metabolic process. Though highly unstable, they have useful roles, such as destroying harmful bacteria.

Protect from aging cells

Pumpkins contain antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. These can neutralize free radicals, stopping them from damaging your cells.

Protect Skin, eye from Sun

Some studies have shown that these antioxidants protect skin against sun damage and lower the risk of cancer, eye diseases and other conditions.

Boost Immunity

Pumpkin is contains nutrients that boost immune system. Studies show that vitamin A can strengthen 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.

Boost Eye sight

It’s quite common for eyesight to diminish with age. Eating the pumpkin can lower risk of sight loss. Pumpkin is plentiful in nutrients that have been linked to strong eyesight as body ages.

Pumpkin contain beta-carotene content provides body with necessary vitamin A.  Vitamin A deficiency is a very 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 disease that cause vision loss.

It contains good amounts of vitamins C and E, which function as antioxidants and prevent free radicals from damaging eye cells.

Pumpkin help weight loss

Pumpkin is low in calories despite being packed with nutrients.  Pumpkin contain 50 calories per cup (245 grams) and consists of about 94% of water.

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.

Pumpkin is a good source of fiber, which can help curb your appetite.

Prevent Risk of Cancer

Cancer cells produce free radicals to help them multiply rapidly.  Pumpkin is high in carotenoids, which are compounds that can function as antioxidants. This allows them to neutralize free radicals, which may protect against certain cancers such as colon cancer.

Similarly, many other human studies have found that individuals with higher intakes of carotenoids have lower risks of throat, pancreas, breast and other cancers.

However, scientists aren’t sure if the carotenoids themselves or other factors — such as lifestyle habits of those who consume diets rich in carotenoids — are responsible for these lowered risks.

Boost heart Health

Pumpkin contains a variety of nutrients that can improve heart health. Pumpkin is high in potassium, vitamin C and fiber, which have been linked to heart benefits.  People with higher potassium intakes appear to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of strokes - two risk factors for heart disease

Pumpkin seeds are also edible and packed with nutrients which offer many other benefits. For instance, pumpkin seeds may improve bladder and heart health.

Control Cholesterol

Pumpkin is also high in antioxidants, which may protect “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. When LDL cholesterol particles oxidize, they can clump along the walls of blood vessels, which can restrict blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease.

Protect Skin

Pumpkins are loaded with nutrients that are great for your skin.  Studies show that carotenoids like beta-carotene can act as a natural sunblock.

Once ingested, carotenoids are transported to various organs including skin. Here, they help protect skin cells against damage from harmful UV rays.

Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin. Human body needs this vitamin to make collagen, a protein that keeps the skin strong and healthy.

Moreover, pumpkins contain lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E and many more antioxidants that have been shown to boost your skin’s defenses against UV rays.

Risk

However, some people may experience allergies after eating pumpkin.

It’s also considered mildly diuretic, which means eating a lot of pumpkin may induce a “water pill”-like reaction, increasing the amount of water and salt your body expels through urine.

This effect may harm people taking certain medicines such as lithium. Diuretics can impair your body’s ability to remove lithium, causing serious side effects.