Benefits of Pumpkin

  

The benefits of pumpkin and pumpkin seeds is year round, however, there is never a better time to enjoy pumpkins than during the fall.

With the fall season comes many new fresh foods in season.  
Pumpkin is among these fall vegetables.  

Although pumpkins are most popular for carving into Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween decorations, many people will also roast the seeds but often throw away the pulp.
 
Instead, this fall season keep both the seeds and the pulp and make some new recipes.

There are many healthy benefits from the pumpkin as well as the pumpkin seeds..

So save those seeds, buy an extra pumpkin during the holidays and enjoy the taste as well as the many healthy benefits from this colorful food.

pumpkins
Pumpkins are a great vegetable and have lots of nutritional value. 

A raw pumpkin per 1 cup serving has only 30 calories, 0 fat and cholesterol, 1 gram of dietary fiber and only 8 grams of carbohydrates. 

This low calorie food offers lots of vitamins including vitamins A, B6, C and E. 

They are high in magnesium, phosphorus, iron, folate, niacin and thiamin.  The list goes on including beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.

So how do all these great ingredients benefit you? 

Benefits of Pumpkin

Better Eyesight

Just one cup of cooked mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of the daily recommended vitamin A.

This important vitamin aids your vision, particularly in dim light.

The lutein and zeaxanthin found in pumpkin can help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduces the risk of macular degeneration. 

The beta carotene can help prevent night blindness and other eye problems.

So to help improve your eyesight, especially at night, try adding some pumpkin to your meals.

Weight Loss Benefits

Another benefit of pumpkin is aiding in weight loss. This healthy food has 3 grams of fiber in just one cup.

At only 49 calories per cup, this is a low calorie, high fiber food that can help you lose weight.

If you exercise as part of your weight loss program, then another benefit of pumpkin is the re-fueling after your workout.

Pumpkin has more potassium than a banana, which many use to help refuel their bodies after working out. Potassium helps restore the bodies electrolytes after a intense workout.

Reduce Risk of Cancer

Similar to other "orange" foods, like sweet potatoes, carrots and butternut squash, pumpkins have the antioxidant beta-carotene.

According to the National Cancer Institute, beta-carotene may play a role in cancer prevention.

Boost Immune System

Pumkins also helps enhance your immune system, and protects against colds, flu and infections.

Packed with vitamin C, pumpkins can ward off the winter flu and colds. Just one cup contains almost 20% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.

Magnesium Benefits

Pumpkins are a good source of magnesium. This can help strengthen the formation of teeth and bones. 

Magnesium also helps your heart by helping stabilize the rhythm of your heart and prevents abnormal blood clotting.

To get the benefits of pumpkin, try these healthy recipes.


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