Pumpkin is just the figure of autumn, as it is one of those nutritional bombs that can well feed your health into the winter season. Having so many great vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, pumpkin could easily guarantee dozens of benefits to those who include it into their seasonal diets.
Pumpkin contains a great load of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient needed for good vision, healthy skin, and as a protective shield in the form of immunity. A cup of cooked pumpkin yields more than 200% of your daily requirement of the great nutrient, vitamin A, making it a great food to indeed help improve your immunity during colds and flu seasons.
Besides vitamin A, pumpkin is also a rich source of fiber. Fiber in the pumpkin regulates digestion and prevents constipation by promoting health in the gut. Inclusion of fiber-rich foods such as pumpkin in a diet can help stay full longer and may, therefore, assist in weight management by cutting on overeating.
Pumpkin also contains a plethora of antioxidants, one of which is beta-carotene, responsible for its bright orange color. Beta-carotene gets converted into vitamin A inside the body and has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and some kinds of cancers. Pumpkin antioxidants help fight against free radicals too, which cause less inflammation and damage to cells from oxidative damage.
Pumpkin has very few calories as well. Being calorie-poor but rich in nutrients makes it a wonderful food if you want to eat more nutrient-rich foods without excess calories. Pumpkin is quite versatile. You can roast it, add it to soups, or puree it into a healthy smoothie.
Pumpkin is also a good option for people that need to keep blood sugar levels in check. Various research demonstrates that compounds in pumpkin will aid in regulating blood sugar, a choice suitable for diabetic patients and individuals who want to have energy levels balanced all through the day.
But from roasted side dishes to sweetening up your oatmeal with its puree, adding pumpkin into your meal repertoire is simple. However you enjoy it, this seasonal superfood will add flavor and nutrition to improve your health in the dead of winter.