The Many Health Benefits of Pumpkin

As the days become shorter and the temperatures drop, it becomes time to enjoy some of the many dishes prepared from the golden orange gourd we know as the pumpkin. From pumpkin soup to pumpkin pie, pumpkins are a tasty and versatile fruit that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. The word pumpkin is derived from Greek term for “large melon” and it is indeed a large fruit. Some species of pumpkin are capable of reaching over eighty-five pounds in weight. This big, orange fruit is valued for more than just its size, beauty, and taste. Have you ever stopped to consider the health benefits of pumpkin?

The Health Benefits of Pumpkin

When you enjoy a big bowl of fresh pumpkin, you don’t have to feel guilty. A full cup of pumpkin cut into cubes has only thirty delicious calories and almost no fat. This makes it a naturally sweet and tasty treat if you happen to be watching your calorie intake. In fact, pumpkin can be a good substitute for higher calorie desserts when served warm with a sprinkling of cinnamon and a little sugar-free pancake syrup. Of course, if you turn it into pumpkin pie, you’ll boost the calories unless you use low fat, sugar-free ingredients. Even standard pumpkin pie is lower in calories than most pies and desserts.

Have you ever wondered what gives pumpkin its brilliant orange color? The credit can be given to the beta-carotenes which are found in such abundance in this fruit. Beta-carotenes are antioxidants which are converted to vitamin A in the body. They are thought to boost the immune system and help to repair free radical damage to cells. Beta-carotenes are being studied to determine what role they play in the prevention of various disease states. These healthy, bright orange pigments are also found in carrots. This is one reason your mom always pushed you to eat your carrots. She would have wanted you to eat pumpkin too.

Pumpkin is also a rich source of vitamin C and potassium which may help to prevent heart disease and normalize blood pressure.

Another Surprising Health Benefit of Pumpkins

It’s not just the pumpkin meat itself that has health benefits. The part that many people discard, the pumpkin seed, also has health benefits of its own. A study carried out in Budapest, Hungary showed that patients with benign enlarged prostate (BPH) who were treated with pumpkin seed oil extract had a stronger urine flow and a reduction in the frequency of nighttime urination. It’s thought that pumpkin seed oil may help to prevent prostate enlargement by blocking testosterone, the male hormone that can trigger prostate growth.

Now that you know the health benefits of pumpkin, it’s time to add some to your diet. Look for them next time you’re at your grocery store or buy them at your local farmer’s market.