Health Benefits of Pumpkin
- Did you know?! Pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, along with cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini.
- Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, namely beta-carotene which has been shown to:
- Carotenoids may help to burn belly fat
- May help to lower the risk of developing macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older adults.
- Protective of the immune system
- May help protect against cancer
- Fights inflammation
- Improves skin appearance
- Spices that traditionally accompany pumpkin based recipes, namely ginger and cinnamon, also confer certain health benefits. Ginger helps to relieve pain and tummy aches, while cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin has about 83 calories; one cup of sweet potato has triple the calories.
- Pumpkin contains more fiber than kale to help promote digestive health for weight control and prevention of constipation. It is full of iron and magnesium as well.
- Pumpkin seeds, often known as pepitas, are rich in fiber, protein, heart-healthy fats and vitamin K.
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