Possible health benefits

Pumpkin has a range of fantastic health benefits, including being one of the best-known sources of beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant. It also gives orange vegetables and fruits their vibrant colour. The body converts any ingested beta-carotene into vitamin A.

Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, offer protection against asthma and heart disease, and delay ageing and body degeneration.

Many studies have suggested that eating more plant foods such as pumpkin decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality. It can also help prevent diabetes and heart disease, and promote a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, and a healthful body mass index (BMI).

Pumpkins are also a powerful source of fibre.

They have demonstrated the following health benefits.

Regulating blood pressure

Eating pumpkin is good for the heart. The fibre, potassium, and vitamin C content in pumpkin all support heart health.

Studies suggest that consuming enough potassium may be almost as important as decreasing sodium intake for the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Decreasing sodium intake involves eating meals that contain little or no salt.

Increased potassium intake is also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, and preservation of bone mineral density.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Research has suggested a positive relationship between a diet rich in beta-carotene and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Beta-carotene has also been shown to hold back the development of colon cancer in some of the Japanese population.

The authors of the study concluded:

"We found a statistically significant inverse association between higher plasma lycopene [a type of beta-carotene] concentrations and lower risk of prostate cancer, which was restricted to older participants and those without a family history of prostate cancer."

Pumpkins contain a wealth of antioxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene have been shown to support eye health and prevent degenerative damage.

A cross-sectional study of older African-American women showed that eating 3 or more fruit servings per day was associated with a decreased risk of age-related macular degeneration. It also led to the slower progression of the disease.

Combating diabetes

Pumpkins have a powerful effect on glucose absorption. This can help keep diabetes at bay.

Pumpkin helps to control diabetes.

The plant compounds in pumpkin seeds and pulp are excellent for helping the absorption of glucose into the tissues and intestines, as well as balancing levels of liver glucose.

They may be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but this effect is not consistently demonstrated. However, the compounds have such an impact that researchers suggest that they could be reworked into an anti-diabetic medication, though further studies are needed.

Daily fibre content

Pumpkins are a fantastic source of fibre. People in the United States (U.S.) do not consume enough fibre, with an average daily intake of just 15 g. The recommended daily fibre intake is between 25 and 30 g.

Fibre slows the rate of sugar absorption into the blood, as well as promoting regular bowel movements and smooth digestion. A healthful fibre intake can also help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

With nearly 3 grams (g) of fibre in cooked, fresh pumpkin and over 7 g in canned pumpkin, adding a serving of pumpkin to the daily diet can help supplement the fibre shortage in the average American diet.

Immune health

Pumpkin can protect immunity.

Pumpkin pulp and seeds are high in both vitamin C and beta-carotene. These offer a boost to the immune system using a powerful combination of nutrients.

Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A. This triggers the creation of white blood cells that fight infection.