Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Fall and pumpkin seem to go hand in hand, so it comes as no surprise that want to use more of it during this season. Not only is pumpkin delicious and extremely versatile, especially with baked goods, but it is also good for you. Pumpkin is often considered a superfood and includes the following health benefits.
Pumpkin for Healthier Vision
If you have been looking for natural ways to improve your vision and reduce vision loss related to the aging process, pumpkin is a great place to look. It has unique healing properties and nutrients that are known to boost vision and eye health, including beta-carotene. This can convert to vitamin A in the body, which is what you really need for proper eye health. The serving size of pumpkin per day to help with vision and other health benefits is about a cup of pumpkin. The antioxidants in pumpkin may also help with preventing cataracts and macular degeneration.
Pumpkin for Heart Health
Everyone should be concerned about their heart health, regardless of how healthy they think they are. You are susceptible to heart problems if you don’t eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, but even if you do, you should still look for other ways to boost your cardiovascular health. If you like the taste of pumpkin, you’re in luck, because it can be great for your heart and reducing your blood pressure. Pumpkin has a high amount of potassium, which is good for helping to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Pumpkin for Youthful Skin
Another excellent health benefit of pumpkin is that it helps to give you more youthful skin. Pumpkin contains nutrients like beta-carotene that are not only good for your eye health, but can protect your skin from sun damage. Those UV rays are very harsh, and even with sunscreen, you might need a little extra protection. You get this from these nutrients, which pumpkin has plenty of. You can consume the pumpkin or use it to make a face mask that protects your skin and leaves it looking more youthful.
Pumkin Boosts Your Immune System
If you tend to get ill in the fall, such as with seasonal colds or allergies, you can boost your immune system with pumpkin. It has vitamins and nutrients to boost your immune system, including antioxidants and vitamin A, that build up your immunity gradually so you have a better chance at fighting off illnesses and viruses.