Pumpkin season has finally arrived, so we thought it appropriate to carve out some time for dishing out some impressive health benefits of this yummy seasonal favorite. No more feeling anxious about what you’re bringing to family gatherings, now you can feel good about all of your pumpkin recipes this fall and brag away about how healthy they are.
Check out our 6 favorite health benefits of pumpkin and feel free to share them with everyone, unless you want to hog all the credit for yourself, in which case we won’t tell anyone.
Top 6 Health Benefits of Pumpkin
1. Pumpkin Seeds Are Heart Healthy
Seeds and nuts no matter what kind are actually all heart healthy, and of course that includes our favorite pumpkin seed. They contain what are called phytosterols, a plant-based molecule that acts in the intestine to lower bad cholesterol absorption. Pumpkin seeds can lower cholesterol by 10% when taking 2g per day, which is a little less than 1oz. If not being used as a garnish for a delicious recipe, raw pumpkin seeds are great snacks that can be picked up at most local grocery stores. Snack away!
2. Pumpkin Can Boost Your Mood
Unless you’re just a Scrooge around the holiday season, who doesn’t like to be happy? Pumpkins contain an amino acid called tryptophan, a key ingredient in producing serotonin. In case you were unaware, serotonin is huge when it comes to our mood, so partaking in a bit of pumpkin this season will help chase those moody blues away. And unlike Cinderella, this pumpkin will last past midnight.
3. Pumpkin Helps Boost Your Immune System
Packed FULL of vitamin C, it’s hard not to get excited about pumpkin during the season that is famous for cold and flu assaults. The recommended daily dose for vitamin C is 65mg, and one cup of cooked pumpkin contains nearly 20% of that recommended dose. Sounds like a winning combo to us, so start pumping your body with some pumpkin before sickness has a chance to set in.
4. Pumpkin May Reduce Cancer Risk
The orange family of vegetables all have something in common, and we’re talking about carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and of course pumpkin. They all have strong levels of beta-carotene, and according to the National Cancer Institute, it may have a strong link to preventing certain cancers. Seems silly NOT to plate up some pumpkin this season, there’s really nothing to lose.
5. Pumpkin Protects The Skin
Hello best beauty product ever! Ok, maybe a bit too far but seriously how awesome is that?! Carotenoids contained in pumpkin act as protective antioxidants that not only protect the body against free radicals that damage the body but also keep the skin wrinkle-free. So don’t feel bad to ask for seconds when the pumpkin’s being passed around. Your skin just might thank you.
6. Pumpkin Supports Natural Weight Loss
When we think of fiber, we hardly think of pumpkin, but it has surprisingly large amounts of fiber within that bright orange packaging. For every 1 cup of pumpkin, there are 3 grams of fiber and only 49 calories. It’s common knowledge that a fiber-rich diet actually helps people feel fuller longer and eat less, giving them the ability to lose some of those pesky pounds. PLUS pumpkin is just yummy to eat. Wins all around!
These top health benefits are yours to take advantage of this fall season, so pop into your local farmer’s market or grocer and grab some pumpkin before it’s all gone! If you have any questions about how your diet plays a part in balancing the body and its function, then we’d love to help. Give our team a call today!
