A plump vegetable that is a variety of squash and comes in an array of colours, pumpkins are rich in vitamins, proving to be beneficial for your health.
Below are five reasons, described by WebMD, why you should add the vegetable to your diet to improve your overall health.
Beta carotene
Pumpkins are rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant that the body changes into vitamin A. This vitamin is needed to see, wards off germs, and helps your reproductive system to function properly. It also helps the important organs to stay healthy.
Acts as an immune booster
Not only do pumpkins offer beta carotene, but vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and folate too, all of which strengthen your immune system. Adding more pumpkin to your diet can also help your immune cells work better to keep the germs at bay, as well as speed up the healing process when you get a wound.
Soothes the skin
The beta carotene found in pumpkins has more added benefits. It also helps to combat the effects of ageing on your skin and eases inflammation, keeping your skin, and your body, calmer and happier.
High in fibre and low in calories
This is good if you are looking to trim your tummy. Introducing pumpkin to your diet will have you feeling full without adding to your overall food intake for the day. Plus, fibre promotes digestive health. So, what goes in can come out on a regular basis.
Helps your heart
The potential risk of suffering from heart disease goes down when your consumption of fibre goes up. However, it is not only fibre found in pumpkins that is good for your heart. The vitamin A and potassium in pumpkins also play a part in heart health.
Also see: The health benefits of chia seeds
