Pumpkin is an incredible superfood. Pumpkin is incredibly rich in vital antioxidants and vitamins. This humble backyard vegetable is very low in calories yet a good source of vitamin A and flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants like lutein, xanthin, and carotenes.
Here are just a few benefits of this incredibly delicious superfood:
More Beta Carotene
Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene. Your body changes beta-carotene into vitamin A. You need Vitamin A to ward off germs, and it also helps your heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs stay healthy.
Get Better Sleep
Pumpkin seeds have tryptophan, an amino acid that creates a calming chemical called serotonin. Serotonin promotes deep sleep.
Improves Your Sight
One cup of pumpkin can give you 200% of your recommended daily vitamin A intake. Vitamin A helps you have healthy eyes and see more clearly.
Lower Your Cancer Risk
Pumpkin’s vitamin A lowers your risk of certain kinds of cancer, like lung or prostate cancer.
Boost Your Immunity
In addition to beta carotene, pumpkins offer vitamins C, E, iron, and folate — all of which strengthen your immune system. Pumpkin helps your boost your immune cells to ward off germs and speed healing.
Help Hypertension
Pumpkin is loaded with potassium, which helps lower your blood pressure. Unsalted pumpkin seeds are also loaded with minerals and plant sterols that raise HDL cholesterol levels (the “good” kind) while keeping your blood pressure numbers down.
Lots of Potassium
Pumpkin is loaded with potassium, and higher potassium levels can lower your risk of stroke, kidney stones, and type 2 diabetes. Potassium also increases your bone mineral density.
Soothe Skin
The beta carotene in pumpkin combats the effects of aging on your skin. It eases inflammation, which keeps your skin and your body relaxed.
Your Heart Loves Pumpkin
Pumpkin is loaded with fiber. Fiber, along with the Vitamin A and potassium found in pumpkin, help to lower your risk of heart disease.