Health Benefits of Pumpkin

It’s that time of year again – pumpkin time! Grocery stores have laid out their plumpest gourds, coffee shops have added pumpkin spice to every conceivable drink and baked good. However, pumpkin isn’t just good for jack-o-lanterns, lattes, and pies; the health benefits of this common vegetable are often overlooked. In fact, pumpkin should be known as fall’s superfood!

Here are just a few examples of the most notable health benefits of fall’s favorite veggie:

Eyesight

Just one cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 200% of your recommended daily vitamin A intake, which promotes strong vision. Pumpkins also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into a form of vitamin A for additional eye-boosting benefits.

Weigh Loss

Pumpkin contains three grams of fiber for every one cup serving, which can help you feel fuller longer. Even better – one cup is only 49 calories, so you will find yourself eating less throughout the day as well as consuming less calories.

Heart Health

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of phytosterols, plant-based chemicals that have been shown in studies to reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and hypertension.

Cancer

The beta-carotene in pumpkins may play a role in cancer prevention, according to the National Cancer Institute. Additionally, researchers in Taiwan found that pumpkin seed oil blocked unhealthy prostate growth in male rats.

Skin

The vitamin A and free-radical-fighting properties in pumpkins can also help keep your skin wrinkle-free and healthy overall.

Mood

Turkey isn’t the only food that contains tryptophan – pumpkins have it too! The amino acid plays an important role in the production of serotonin, one of the major contributors when it comes to your mood. A handful of pumpkin seeds may help bring you out of gloominess.

Energy

A cup of cooked pumpkin has 564 milligrams of potassium, which is great for refueling your system after a hard workout. Potassium helps the body restore its electrolyte balance and keeps muscles functioning at their best.