With the change of season we welcome back a favourite flavour; the pumpkin! From pumpkin spice lattes to big Halloween decorations, this savoury orange fruit will be everywhere you look; and did you know you can eat every part of a pumpkin? Yes, from the skin to the seeds and even the stalk, you can eat it all roasted or steamed, sweet or savoury.
With so many ways to enjoy pumpkin, you may also be interested in knowing the top health benefits of eating this versatile fruit so that you can enjoy your snacks and dishes guilt-free.
1. Low Calorie, High Nutrient Content
Being 90% water, pumpkins are a low-calorie food with plenty of beneficial nutrients. They’ve got more fibre than kale, more potassium than bananas, and are full of magnesium, manganese, and iron. Pumpkins are also a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Riboflavin.
2. Powerful Anti-Inflammatory
We shared in an earlier article how pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are a perfect snack and work as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing symptoms of inflammation. Plus, they’re even better than drugs because they taste great and don’t have any of the negative side-effects!
3. Anti-Cancer Properties
Pumpkins are incredibly rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that has been linked with reducing the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that populations with high levels of beta-carotene in their diet had lower population-wide rates of cancer.
4. Great Source Of Protein
One serve of pumpkin provides 4% of recommended daily protein values, which is great news for non-meat eaters looking to increase their protein intake.
One serve of pumpkin provides 4% of recommended daily protein values, which is great news for non-meat eaters looking to increase their protein intake.
5. Good For Your Eyes
Vitamin A is essential for good eye health, helping the retina absorb and process light, and pumpkins contain around 245% of your daily requirement in just one serving! Additionally, lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants found in pumpkin, support the prevention of cataracts and may slow the development of macular degeneration.
6. Supports Your Immunity
The large amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C found in pumpkin help protect your body and recover more quickly from infections, viruses, and diseases. Pumpkin oil can also help fight against bacterial and fungal infections.
7. Good For Your Skin
The properties of pumpkin can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, plus the pulp is a popular ingredient in natural face masks that leave your skin looking fresher and younger.
8. Helps Treat Baldness
While chemical treatments exist to treat baldness, they come with a number of side effects. The natural pumpkin seed oil alternative encourages hair growth by blocking the body’s process of creating a particular hormone that shrinks hair follicles.
9. Helps Heal Wounds And Burns
Pumpkin oil has been found to have healing properties, with tests on second-degree burns on rats showing a positive impact on the closing of wounds by increasing the production of collagen by 65%.
10. Good For The Heart
The high amount of potassium found in pumpkin is great for the heart, regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health. Studies have indicated that the consumption of the right amount of potassium is as important for hypertension and high blood pressure as is the minimization of sodium intake.
To reap the most benefits from pumpkins, be sure to opt for real, whole pumpkin rather than canned pumpkin pie mix, as it typically contains added sugars and syrups.
The high amount of potassium found in pumpkin is great for the heart, regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health. Studies have indicated that the consumption of the right amount of potassium is as important for hypertension and high blood pressure as is the minimization of sodium intake.
To reap the most benefits from pumpkins, be sure to opt for real, whole pumpkin rather than canned pumpkin pie mix, as it typically contains added sugars and syrups.
A word of caution … Pumpkin is mildly diuretic and could be a problem for people who take certain medications, especially lithium.
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looking back at a favourite photograph
grandson with a lovely pumpkin, photo taken in 2014 ...
it will soon be time for the 2021 pumpkin!
Chocolate Pumpkin Pie, it's low carb
you may like to try this recipe suggestion
see more details here
You will find a variety of articles/recipe ideas, within this blog. It is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.
All the best Jan
41 comments:
...things that I didn't know.
wow i'm impressed with what the pumpkin is good for. Glad to see this article.
and cute photo of that grandson of yours. I wish i could see mine young again. they are all becoming or are teenagers.
I was going to say, I need to buy a pumpkin now....but then I looked at the recipe! OH MY! I would probably over eat with this one! lol Thanks! Maybe for the holidays.....!
I love pumpkin and thanks for sharing this info.
We like to eat kabocha which is sort of like pumpkin. I hope it has similar benefits.
Kay said...
We like to eat kabocha which is sort of like pumpkin. I hope it has similar benefits
Hello Kay, many thanks for your comment.
You can read more about Kabocha Squash Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits here
https://www.verywellfit.com/how-many-calories-in-kabocha-squash-2507121
All the best Jan
LOVE pumpkin and this time of the year! Thank you for sharing this!!
I should eat more pumpking...the funny thing is I love the smell but don't like the texture. I just love to photograph them.
Your grandson is so cute.
It's pumpkin season and I'm also caught up in the pumpkin craze, too. Love it and I see it's good for me, too. Thanks for the info and the great photo of your grandson, too.
Gracias por la receta y la información. Adoro las calabazas, te mando un beso
Pumpkin sounds even better than I thought it was. Yay! I love when things I love are better for me than I knew! :)
~Jess
We have been enjoying lots of pumpkins lately too.
great information and 2 adorable kiddos!!
It is so nutritious!
Love pumpkin, but it doesn't love me mostly.
I adore pumpkin. My father didn't like it so it was never served when I was growing up. I have made up for lost time.
I've never had pumpkin pie but this one looks yummy, good to know that pumpkins are so good for you. Have a great Sunday.
Hello,
I love pumpkin, especially pie. Thanks for sharing, great info.
Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!
I'm looking forward to pumpkin soup, so yummy. Lovey photo of your grandson. Valerie
A great vegetable/fruit. Love pumpkin seeds.
God bless.
I didn't realise that pumpkins were so good for you, so many health benefits. Lovely photo of your little grandson, I bet he's a great strapping lad now all these years later.
I've been into pumpkin this seasons so far. I knew it was healthy but not that healthy. Wow. With my hives I am going to buy some pepitos. Thanks for sharing all this info.
wow i'm impressed with what the pumpkin is good for
I love pumpkin and nice to know it is good for us too.
I had no idea pumpkin had so many health benefits.
I love pumpkin soup and roasted pumpkin.
Interesting. However, I personally think the only benefit of a pumpkin is - - a jack-o-lantern!
Such a cute photo of your grandson! Pumpkin is very versatile, and it's good to know how good it is for one's health.
Hello,:=) I have been eating pumpkin soup for three days now. I knew it was good for me, but didn't know to what extent. Thank you for all the information about it. Can I eat the seeds that I usually throw away when I'm making the soup?
Pumpkin pie is my favorite.
I love pumpkins ❤
Breathtaking said...
Hello,:=) I have been eating pumpkin soup for three days now. I knew it was good for me, but didn't know to what extent. Thank you for all the information about it. Can I eat the seeds that I usually throw away when I'm making the soup?
Hello there and many thanks for your comment and question ...
You certainly can use the seeds.
"Once you extract the seeds from the slimy pulp, the options are broad. In most cases, the seeds should be roasted to bring out their best flavour. Rinse the seeds and toss them with some melted butter or oil. You can choose to salt them or use seasonings like jerk, taco, or anything else you fancy.
Roast them in a medium low oven, stirring often, until the seeds are lightly browned and crunchy. You can now use them just like this as a snack, salad topper, or garnish on dessert. You might also try using pumpkin seeds a step further and incorporate them into recipes like pesto or nut brittle."
Read more here
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pumpkin/pumpkin-seed-uses.htm
Enjoy your pumpkin(s)
All the best Jan
Thank you, for your info. I'm going to give it a try, and to think I have been throwing the seeds away for years, never realising their nutritional value, or how tasty they can be.
The pie sounds good.
I didn't know about the burns
Coffee is on and stay safe
who knew pumpkin was so good for you :) The pie looks yummy!
Thanks for such comprehensive nutritional information about pumpkins- Funny how we always think to decorate with them, but not eat this nutritious vegetable.
Great post with very good information.
Ingo went to the market - no pumpkins sold anymore. The last one was crap and the vendor last Saturday said.... "no". We had a bad summer, maybe that´s why...
I love all these photos, Jan. What happy faces! Pumpkin is indeed delicious. I love them for decor and then open them up for the squirrels and birds. But a good pumpkin bread or soup is terrific and one of my fave fall things!
Me encantó tu reportaje de hoy. Besos.
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