Health Benefits of Pumpkins

Pumpkin, one of the most anticipated seasonal fruits is not only delicious, but it is full of nutritional benefits. Pumpkins are so full of flavor that you can find pumpkin flavored coffee, candy, bagels, even beer. Don’t confuse the pumpkin with its artificial counterparts, natural pumpkins are one of the healthiest seasonal food. Here are more reasons to love this amazing seasonal fruit.

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Health Benefits of Pumpkins:

Improve Vision – Pumpkins are a great source of vitamin A, this vitamin improves eyesight and ability to see in dim lighting. Vitamin A is also known to help prevent retinal malfunction in people with retinitis pigmentosa; a degenerative disease that causes blindness.

Weight Loss or Weight Maintenance – Pumpkin is a low calorie food that is packed with fiber. A cup of pumpkin only equals to forty two calories. Since pumpkins are full of fiber it can keep you fuller for a long time, making you eat less during the day. The fiber will also regulate your blood sugar levels that removes unhealthy food cravings.

Lower Blood Pressure – Pumpkin seed oil is known to prevent hypertension. Phytoestrogens in pumpkin seed are beneficial to the heart. It can lower both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. A research was done on lab rats, the subjects went under the pumpkin seed oil diet. In just twelve weeks the lab rats showed a significant change in their blood pressure.

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Mood Booster – Pumpkins contain the amino acid tryptophan, this amino acid is converted into serotonin in the body. Serotonin is an important chemical in that body that improves overall health. Serotonin deficiency will make the brain prone to anxiety and depression. Serotonin boosts the mood and improves general health. Pumpkin seed contains heaps of tryptophan.

Improve Sleep – Tryptophan the amino acid that is converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin, not only is serotonin a mood booster but it also helps the mind relax. Serotonin can help improve sleep quality and prompt sleepiness.

Male Sexual Health – Pumpkin are rich in cancer fighting antioxidant and beta carotene. The seeds of pumpkins are especially beneficial to men. A study was done on lab rats, they were fed with pumpkin seed oil. The result showed that the oil protected the any unhealthy growth in the prostate area. Half a cup of pumpkin seed contains 35% of the recommended daily intake of zinc in adults. Zinc is important to improve testosterone levels in men and improve male sexual health.

Heart Health – High fiber contents in pumpkin will help lower the risk of heart problems. Women that had a diet high in fiber are 25% less likely to have heart problems than women who have low fiber intake.

Add more pumpkin to your diet by learning easy to make pumpkin based recipes. Pumpkins can be used as a puree to be used as a spread substitute for unhealthy butter or it can cut up into chunks as part of a roasted vegetable platter. Create a delicious morning energizer smoothie with protein powder, milk and pumpkin. Be creative with pumpkin and enjoy the health benefits of this mature fruit.

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