Not all delicious food is bad for you, as pumpkin proves. It’s a adaptable flavour that can be found in a range of different foods, from spiced lattes to pie, but this sunny orange vegetables which is precisely a fruit does not have to be baked into things to taste delicious. On its own, it’s low in calories, nutrient-dense and has numerous health benefits.
Here are the Benefits if Pumpkin:
· It’s Rich in Antioxidants
Pumpkin contains numerous antioxidants, including, beta-carotene alpha-carotene and, beta-cryptoxanthin. Antioxidants are thought to help guard your cells against the harm from free radicals.
Research found that individuals who eat beta carotene may have a reduced risk of developing cancer.
· A Fantastic Source of Vitamin A
Pumpkin is full of vitamins and minerals, including the beta-carotene, carotenoids. Our bodies can convert this into Vitamin A, only one cup of pumpkin is twice a day is the recommended intake. Vitamin A can actually strengthen your immune system and help combat infections.
In addition to Vitamin A, pumpkin is also a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin. These two compounds have been known to lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and eye cataracts.
· Not Just Vitamins and Minerals, But Also Fiber
Pumpkin has raw fiber. It keeps you feeling fuller longer, There’s seven grams of fiber in a cup of preserved pumpkin. That's more than what you'd get in two slices of whole-grain bread."
· Low in Calories
Pumpkin is in calories, and to understand this, it’s best to provide the nutritional information relating to a pumpkin e.g.1 cup (or 245 grams) of cooked, boiled, or drained pumpkin (without salt) has 49 calories. It also contains 2.7 g of fiber, 1.76 g of protein, 0.17 g of fat, and 0 g of cholesterol and 12 g of carbohydrate.
Keeping the above mentioned nutritional information in mind, it’s perhaps not surprising that pumpkin could benefit individuals to control their blood sugar levels and diabetes, pumpkin polysaccharides were found to bring down their sugar levels. On a side note, season of Pumpkin is coming, from August through December. But it is not necessary to eat fresh pumpkin, you can purchase a can of organic pumpkin which is nutritionally equal to production homemade purée plus way more convenient!
PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND
References:
https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/6-benefits-of-eating-pumpkin.html
