Aranya Doloi
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Ah Fall! The crisp and subtle weather. The leaves changing colour. The fun of putting on our sweatshirts. And yes! The bright orange pumpkins.
What comes to your mind when you think of pumpkins? Jack-o’-lanterns? Pumpkin Pie? Charlie Brown? Well well, there’s much more to these orange gourds than something to carve or serve in a pie. This frequent offering of autumn has numerous health benefits and none has taken the center stage.
And once you find out all the powerful health benefits of these fall fruits, you’ll see why the humble pumpkin can be an easy and affordable way to boost your health and add color to your meals.
Pumpkin Helps Digestion
Fiber helps you to digest food and pumpkins are a good source of fiber. And the health benefits of pumpkin’s fiber don’t end there. They also lower your risk for obesity while increasing nutrient absorption. Further the fibers slow down your absorption of carbohydrates, including natural sugars, so that you don’t experience the blood sugar highs and lows of a handful of marshmallows.
Pumpkin Regulates Blood Pressure
Just like your taste buds, your heart too loves pumpkin. These orange gourds contain potassium and antioxidants which contribute to good health heart. The healthy pumpkin seed oil helps in preventing blood pressure and can also lower already high levels.
Pumpkin Reduces Cancer Risk
Pumpkin with its magical combo platter of Vitamin A and C, iron, and more nutrients is natural armour against cancer cells. In particular, pumpkin’s health benefits decrease the risk of prostate, breast and colon cancers. The antioxidants found in pumpkin leads to less oxidative stress which is a major factor in decreasing cancer risk.
Pumpkin Combats Diabetes
Following a low calorie diet is the key to keep diabetes in check. And unadorned pumpkin is always a wise choice for diabetics as the calories are quite low. The superfruit’s phenolic phytochemicals control the blood sugar levels and hence, lower the risk of diabetes. Further, boosting fiber consumption also aids in weight loss.
Pumpkin Improves Immunity
Pumpkin has Vitamin C which is great for your immune system, particularly during the cold weather. And pumpkin’s virtues don’t end there. Found in spades of pumpkin is Beta-carotene that is converted into Vitamin A in the body which is important for normal vision and reproduction. Vitamin A also boosts vision.
Pumpkin Improves Muscle Function
Majority of us don’t get enough of potassium. Pumpkins once again are a good source of potassium and help improve muscle function. Muscle-building amino acids and muscle-relaxing magnesium are found abundantly in these superfruits.
