Pumpkin season is in full swing!
Pumpkins are a lot more than a festive decoration or the inspiration behind the famous pumpkin spice latte, they can actually be good for your health. Pumpkins are rich in nutrients and should be included as a super food in your diet. Their bright orange color comes from all the vitamins, fiber and antioxidants in them. Pumpkins contain Vitamin A and C, zinc, potassium magnesium and more.
Here is a list of reasons pumpkins are good for!
Cancer Fighter
Pumpkin’s bright orange color comes from high levels of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that reduces your risk of cancer. Beta-carotene also helps fight off inflammation, which can lead to several chronic health conditions included cancer, heart disease, arthritis and Type 2 diabetes.
Heart Health
As stated above, the beta-carotene in pumpkins helps fight off heart disease. With anti-flammatory benefits, pumpkins along with other fruits and veggies are part of a heart healthy diet.
Glowing Skin
Vitamins A, C and E, along with antioxidants, help fight sun damage and wrinkles. Pumpkins also contain fruit enzymes that naturally help to exfoliate dead skin cells. The zinc and potassium in pumpkins can also combat redness.
More Energy
Want more energy to get in that workout? Or perhaps you’ll need energy to get out and shovel snow as we get into the winter months. The potassium in pumpkins is an essential nutrient that is already present in our cells and tissues. That is why low levels of potassium can cause both physical and mental fatigue.
Healing Benefits
The magnesium and zinc in pumpkin seeds play an important role in bone density. Increasing magnesium intake can help make bones stronger as well as help any wounds heal better.
Sleep Better
Much like the sleepy feeling after Thanksgiving dinner, pumpkin seeds have tryptophan in them. Tryptophan is an amino acid that not only causes sleepiness it is responsible for making serotonin, that feel-good neurotransmitter that helps you relax.