Health Benefits of Pumpkin

The list of health benefits of pumpkin is so long, in fact, that it would take many volumes to include all of them. The list of health benefits of pumpkin is incomplete without mentioning the anti-cancer activity of the fruit. Research has shown that pumpkin seed oil has significant anti-cancer activity. In pumpkin season, many people are excited about trying out this healthy food. It is packed with rich, nutritional benefits as well as taste. The in-boiling pumpkin extracts can be added to soups, sauces, and dressings. Here is a list of the top 10 health benefits of pumpkin.

1. Source of Fiber

Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber. In-season produce often means a high-fiber product with excellent nutrition quality. Check the nutrition facts panel on the back of your favorite vegetable to find out if you’re getting enough fiber to keep your feeling healthy. Cucurbita Maxima, or pumpkin seed, is one of the highest-fiber varieties available.

2. Source of Vitamin B

This is a vitamin that has a wide range of uses, including serving as a food source for children with Vitamin B deficiency. It’s also a source of Vitamin B12, which is needed to help maintain the function of the body’s immune system and cell regeneration. This nutrient is found in many fruits and vegetables. For a delicious pumpkin soup, puree squash with a few whole tomatoes and some fat-free sour cream. Or puree pumpkin and pecan soup in a blender.

3. Prevent Birth Defects

Some research shows folic acid is helpful in preventing birth defects, especially in pregnant women. Get rich with orange juice or steam your own pumpkin seeds for a delicious spiced drink. Alternatively, Getty images of pumpkin, honey or spice paste for a delicious lunchtime snack.

4. Maintain Immune System

This nutrient is important for immune function. You can find vitamin C in oranges, red pepper, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, strawberries, and pumpkin seeds. However, it’s also possible to eat unripe pumpkin to get vitamin C in its unprocessed form. This is one of the Health Benefits of Pumpkin that can easily be incorporated into your daily diet.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The anti-inflammatory property of pumpkin seed oil is an extremely important aspect of this fruit’s list of health benefits. The inflammation factor that occurs in psoriasis is very much reduced when the oil is applied on the affected area. The presence of vitamin A and vitamin C in pumpkin seed oil helps to reduce the symptoms associated with psoriasis. The oil also contains significant quantities of vitamin B6 and zinc, which are good for the immune system.

6. Prevent Diseases

There are a number of diseases that can be controlled or prevented by the regular consumption of pumpkin seed oil. The list includes chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis. Research conducted has also revealed promising results relating the consumption of pumpkin seed oil to cholesterol levels. The cholesterol levels in the blood were found to be lower in people who had a high level of intake of pumpkin seed oil.

7. Improve Sight

Scientists believe that a high level of beta carotene is responsible for the red, orange and pumpkin-colored vegetables that we grow accustomed to. The presence of vitamin C in the fruit has long been known to prevent the apparition of certain cancers. Recent studies have suggested that the beta carotene present in pumpkin seeds is responsible for improving the sight of people suffering from age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness. People who consume large amounts of pumpkin seed oil in their diet have been found to have a vision that is not as blurry as it was previously.

8. Maintain Healthy Bones and Muscles

Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, sodium and potassium, all of which are important in maintaining healthy bones and muscles. This is why the US Department of Agriculture lists pumpkin seeds as a favorite ingredient in their diet plans. The minerals present in pumpkin seeds help improve the condition of the cardiovascular system. People with high blood pressure and heart disease should consider incorporating pumpkin seeds into their daily diet.

9. Reduce Symptoms of Diarrhea and Constipation

The list of health benefits of pumpkin does not stop at the aforementioned effects on the body. The seed has been found to reduce symptoms related to diarrhea and constipation. Women who are planning to become pregnant should consume large amounts of pumpkin seed oil, as it could reduce the risk of developing abnormal uterine growths. People suffering from arthritis should try pumpkin seed oil, as the oil reduces joint inflammation and pain. Those who suffer from diabetes should also consider including pumpkin seed oil in their diet.

10. Conclusion

Aside from the benefits that have been enumerated above, research is still ongoing to determine the exact chemical composition of pumpkin seeds. However, experts are agreed that adding pumpkin seed to your diet could have positive effects. A list of health benefits of pumpkin would not be complete without this important nutrient. Eat plenty of pumpkin seeds to get the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs.