Top

Benefits of Pumpkin

April 4, 2009


Pumpkin is a crop of the plant of the same name and belongs to the Cucurbitaceae  family that also includes gourds.  With a high dietary value, pumpkins are linked with a lot of health benefits. Apart from the flesh, even the seeds of pumpkins boast of a large number of nutrition benefits.

Pumpkin meat is soaring in carotenoids. They give pumpkins their orange color. Carotenoids are essential for neutralizing free radicals, malicious molecules that can do violence to cell membranes and depart the cells defenseless to damage.

Pumpkins are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which hunt free radicals in the eye lens. Therefore, they may help in preventing the formation of cataracts and trim down the risk of macular disintegration, a grave eye problem than regularly results in sightlessness.

Besides carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are all antioxidants, pumpkins, have a lot of common nutrients, like iron, zinc, and fiber.

1 cup cooked Pumpkin contains:

Calcium – 37 mg
Carbohydrate – 12 gm
Dietary Fiber – 3 gm
Folate – 21 mcg
Iron – 1.4 mg
Magnesium – 22 mg
Niacin – 1 mg
Potassium – 564 mg
Protein – 2 grams
Selenium – 0.50 mg
Vitamin A – 2650 IU
Vitamin C – 12 mg
Vitamin E – 3 mg
Zinc – 1 mg
Calories – 49

Beta-carotene, found in pumpkin, is a powerful antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent. It helps avert construct of cholesterol on the arterial walls, thus dips the chances of strokes.

The high amount of fiber, present in a pumpkin, is excellent for the bowel health. It is helpful in lowering the risk of hypertension. The presence of zinc in pumpkins enhances the immune system.

Pumpkin seeds promote on the whole prostate health, apart from lessening the problem of complicated urination. They comprise of L-tryptophan, a compound that has been found to be effective against effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

It is rich in phytosterols, which helps with reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol.

So, do buy a pumpkin for yourself, next time you visit a market.


Comments

Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.





What's More today?

Narcolepsy Treatment

Falling asleep suddenly, at any time during the day, is known as narcolepsy. This is a type of sleeping... 

Causes and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person eats a lot of food with in a... 

Symptoms of Glomerular Disease

Glomerular Diseases Glomerular disease is a disease that affects the kidney. In order to know more about... 

Diets to Improve the Fertility of a Woman

Diets to increase the Fertility of a Woman Infertility is the inability to conceive and deliver a baby.... 

Uses of Geranium Essential Oil

Prevents Muscle Loosening – Since ages, geranium essential oil is used in association with massage... 

Health Benefits of Almond

Health Benefits of Almond Almond is ideal for caring the skin and hair. Almonds contain zinc, iron,... 

Treatment for Female Infertility

Female Infertility Female infertility is the incapability of a woman to conceive and deliver a baby.... 

Remedies for Vaginal Dryness

Dry Vagina Vaginal dryness is a common issue faced by many women. Usually vagina produces lubricants... 

How to Retain the Teeth Color

How to Retain the Teeth Color Most of the people like to have bright smile. Most of you may have white... 

Medicinal Uses of Milk of Magnesia

Milk of magnesia is an alkaline solution comprising of magnesium hydroxide and water. The milk like appearance... 

Fifth Disease Risks And Prevention

Fifth disease is a form of viral infection characterized by red rash on the face, trunks and limbs. The... 

Remedies For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs of a woman. Sexually transmitted... 

Health Benefits of Skullcap

Skullcap is a prominent herb used for centuries for calming the mind. The botanical name of skullcap... 

Natural Tooth Whiteners

We always want to display our pearl white teeth. However, often the teeth are marked with stain and become... 

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment

Every year if you are depressed during a particular season it is possible that you are suffering from... 

Bottom