Health Benefits of Pumpkin

It is pumpkin spice season and I am so here for it. Pumpkin is a fall superfood and for good reason. When pumpkin isn’t bogged down in sugar, corn syrups, and creamers it actually has a ton of health benefits. 

Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals that support multiple functions throughout the body. Vitamin A plays a large role in immunity, cell division/reproduiction, and vision. Vitamin A is essential to maintain clear corneas and also plays a large role in rhodopsin-the protein in our eyes that helps with night vision. Pumpkin also packs in the Vitamin C. We love a good Vitamin C source right? Vitamin C plays a role in supporting the innate and adaptive immune system. This micronutrient is a an antioxidant and plays a role in a numerous cellular reactions in the body. Pumpkin is also jam packed with fiber that will keep you fuller for longer. 

Pumpkin seeds also carry their weight when it comes to nutrients. Pumpkin seeds contain lignans which have been studied and still are in regard to their role in prevention of breast cancer in post menopausal women. These seeds also contian tryptophan which aids with sleep. These magic little seeds are also jam packed with antioxidants and protein making them a great mid afternoon snack. 

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“6 Major Health Benefits of Pumpkin.” Cleveland Clinic, 5 Aug. 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/truth-about-the-great-pumpkin-its-good-for-you/. 

Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.