Pumpkin is one of those vegetables that should always be on your table, especially in the fall. With powerful antioxidant properties, it provides a mix of essential nutrients for your health.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, pumpkin works together with these nutrients to counteract the damage caused by a hectic and stressful lifestyle. Plus, with its low-calorie content, it’s perfect for those looking to stay in shape. In fact,
This vegetable contains just about 19 calories per 100 grams and offers many health benefits.
Here are five great reasons to add more pumpkin to your diet:
5 Benefits of Pumpkin
Combats Constipation
It is is a fantastic ally during transitional seasons like autumn when constipation is more common. It’s rich in fiber, which helps with bowel movement and keeps the digestive system running smoothly. Insoluble fiber absorbs water, swells, and increases stool volume, speeding up food transit through the intestines.
Fights Wrinkles
Pollution, aging, and oxidative stress—pumpkin helps reduce oxidative stress. When cooked with healthy fats like olive oil, pumpkin provides beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for skin health. Consumed raw, pumpkin offers higher amounts of vitamin C. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps fight wrinkles and premature aging.
Reduces Irritability
Pumpkin is perfect for making comforting soups and stews on chilly, gray days. It’s packed with tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps boost serotonin production, a key hormone for regulating mood and sleep. Eating pumpkin can help relax and improve sleep quality. Plus, the magnesium content helps reduce stress and promotes calm, making it an excellent choice for those who suffer from insomnia.
Fights Fatigue
This also an excellent source of minerals that help fight physical and mental fatigue. Its seeds are particularly rich in calcium, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. They are also a great source of trace elements like copper, iron, and zinc. Plus, pumpkin seeds provide essential fatty acids beneficial for brain health.
Helps Maintain Fitness
Pumpkin is a perfect addition to a healthy, balanced diet. It’s 90% water, which contributes to hydration. It also provides a good sense of satiety, thanks to its fiber content, including pectin, which reduces the absorption of sugars and fats.
It’s pulp contains carotenoids, phytosterols, quercetin, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds that contribute to the proper functioning of the body and help combat excess weight.
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This article first appeared on Grazia.it – Author: Angela Altomare
