Contents
It’s the pumpkin season. There are many varieties of this vegetable (fruit). They may differ in shape, size and structure, but they have one thing in common – each pumpkin is not only tasty, but full of health-promoting ingredients. Pumpkin positively affects our eyesight, skin and immunity, reduces the risk of cancer and those related to the heart. Besides, it is low in calories. Why is it worth eating a pumpkin? There are really many reasons.
- Pumpkin is an extremely valued vegetable (albeit from a botanical point of view – a fruit) due to its properties. It has many valuable nutrients
- Importantly, the pumpkin does not lose its properties after heat treatment – you can cook, bake and fry it without fear
- Pumpkin flesh contains a large amount of beta-carotene, which is responsible for the orange color
- Below are 9 health-promoting properties of pumpkin
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
Pumpkin – a wealth of vitamins
Pumpkin has many nutrients, especially vitamins, especially vitamin A.
250 g of cooked pumpkin (a cup) contains:
- Calories: 49
- Fat: 0,2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Vitamin A: 245% Recommended daily intake —RDI)
- Vitamin C: 19 percent RDI
- Drinks: 16 percent RDI
- Copper: 11% RDI
- Eat: 11 proc. RDI
- Vitamin B2: 11 percent, the RDI
- Vitamin E: 10% RDI
- Iron: 8% RDI
Pumpkin also contains magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folic acid and B vitamins, as well as beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Pumpkin not only contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, it is also low in calories, as it is 94 percent. it consists of water.
Pumpkin and the risk of chronic diseases
Free radicals are molecules produced in the body’s metabolic process. Although very unstable, they play a useful role, for example bactericidal.
However, an excess of free radicals in the body causes a condition called oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases including heart disease and cancer.
- The four chronic diseases that are most dangerous in COVID-19
Pumpkins contain antioxidants such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. They play a role in neutralizing free radicals, preventing them from harmful effects.
Animal studies have shown that these antioxidants protect the skin from sun damage and lower the risk of cancer, eye disease, and other health conditions.
Pumpkin and immunity
Pumpkin contains many nutrients that can boost your immune system. First of all, we are talking about beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Vitamin A supports our immune system and helps fight infections. People who are deficient in vitamin A may have a weaker immune system.
Pumpkin is also rich in vitamin C, which increases the production of white blood cells, helps immune cells work more efficiently, and speeds up wound healing.
Pumpkin is also a source of vitamin E, iron and folic acid – all of these elements have a positive effect on our immune system.
Pumpkin and eyesight
Vision deteriorates with age, but consuming the right elements can reduce this risk. Pumpkin is rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin that have a positive effect on the eyes.
Pumpkin’s high beta-carotene content provides the body with vitamin A. And research shows that vitamin A deficiency is a very common cause of blindness. Multiple studies have shown that people with high beta-carotene intakes had a significantly lower risk of cataracts, which can lead to blindness.
- The five biggest myths about cataracts – the silent eye thief
Pumpkin is also one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds that lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Also, high amounts of vitamins C and E, which act as antioxidants, help prevent free radicals from damaging the eye cells.
Pumpkin and diet
Pumpkin is a nutrient-rich plant that is also low in calories. It consists mainly of water, and one cup contains no more than 50 calories.
Moreover, pumpkin is a very good source of fiber which helps curb your appetite.
Pumpkin is therefore a very useful food for people who are slimming. You can eat more carbohydrate than other carbohydrate sources – such as rice and potatoes – but still consume fewer calories.
Pumpkin and lower cancer risk
Cancer cells are often the result of free radicals that help them multiply quickly.
Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants. These, in turn, neutralize free radicals and may protect against certain types of cancer.
- Eat daily before bedtime. The salutary properties of a popular fruit
Several studies found that people who consumed higher amounts of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene had a significantly lower risk of stomach cancer. Other analyzes have shown that people with higher carotenoid intake are less likely to risk throat, pancreatic and breast cancer.
However, scientists are not XNUMX% sure whether carotenoids alone or other factors, such as the lifestyle of people who eat a diet rich in carotenoids, are responsible for the lower risk of cancer.
Pumpkin and a healthy heart
Among the many ingredients in pumpkin, there are also some that have a positive effect on the heart. This includes potassium, vitamin C and fiber.
Studies show that people with higher potassium intakes have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of stroke – two important risk factors for heart disease.
Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants that can protect “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidation, making it less atherogenic. When LDL cholesterol particles are oxidized, they can build up along the walls of your blood vessels, which can constrict them and increase your risk of heart disease.
Pumpkin and healthy skin
Pumpkin is also full of ingredients that are beneficial to our skin. First of all, it is about carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Recall, one cup of pumpkin provides 245 percent of the total. recommended daily intake of this vitamin.
Beta-carotene can act as a natural sunscreen. After ingestion, carotenoids are transported to various organs, including the skin. Here they help protect skin cells from damage by harmful UV rays.
- Red flags that the digestive system sends us. Never underestimate them!
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin C, which is also essential for healthy skin. Our body needs this vitamin to make collagen – a protein that is responsible for strong and healthy skin.
In the pumpkin, we also find lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E and antioxidants that strengthen the skin’s protection against UV rays.
Pumpkins and its versatility in the diet
Pumpkin is tasty, nutritious, rich in ingredients and very versatile. Its sweet taste makes it a popular ingredient in creams, cakes and pancakes. It also works well in less sweet dishes such as baked vegetables, soups and pasta.
Pumpkin seeds are also edible and contain nutrients that have many benefits, including positive effects on the bladder and heart.
Do you want to strengthen your body in the fight against disease? Reach for the dietary supplement in capsules with routine, which you can order now through Medonet Market.
Pumpkin is also available pre-sliced or canned for added flexibility to food and storage.
However, the easiest way to eat a pumpkin is to simply season it with salt and pepper and then bake it in the oven. Many people like to make pumpkin soup out of it, especially in winter.
Who Shouldn’t Eat Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is very healthy and considered safe by most people. However, not all of them.
Some people may be allergic to pumpkins, and pumpkin is also a diuretic, so eating large amounts of pumpkin can expel large amounts of water and sodium from your body. This can harm people taking certain medications.
Read also:
- Home remedies for immunity. Honey, garlic, broth – does it work?
- Black garlic – properties and effects on health
- Juices to strengthen immunity. Which ones are worth reaching for?
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.