- Make It Yourself Lavender Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs!
- 20 Things You Never Knew About “Down There”
- 12 Best Foods For Those Suffering From Arthritis Pain
- 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
- 15 Medicinal Plants And Herbs From The Cherokee People
- 12 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
- 12 Outstanding Winter Foods That Won’t Fatten You Up Like A Christmas Turkey
What Are The Health Benefits Of Pumpkins?
Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com
Pumpkin season is here, and it’s time to celebrate! This round, ribbed squash relative is very versatile and can be made into a bevy of wonderful fall treats. Including mouthwatering baked goods like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin muffins, and savory treats like pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin risotto. Pumpkins are even used to brew beer!
No matter what your preferences and tastes, autumn’s signature squash can fit in somewhere. However, not only are pumpkins tasty, they are also extremely healthy and nutritious. Some of the health perks of pumpkins include helping your heart stay healthy, improving vision, and even managing your waistline! But those are not all of the health benefits. Below are 8 healthy advantages to eating pumpkins.
1. Helping with Weight Loss
With three grams for each cup and only 49 calories per serving, pumpkins are a fantastic, but frequently overlooked source of fiber. People who eat a lot of fiber tend to eat less overall, because fiber keeps you feeling fuller for longer on fewer calories. Because people are eating less, they gain fewer pounds.
According to WebMD, a 2009 study showed that those who eat fiber before lunch eat fewer calories throughout the day. This was in comparison to those who only ate applesauce or drank apple juice. So, to help keep your weight under control, eat pumpkin and get more fiber in your diet.
2. Keeping Eyes Sharp
The signature bright orange color typical of pumpkins comes from carotenoids, including beta-carotene. Being rich in carotenoids, pumpkins are great for your eyes. One cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin has over 200 percent of a person’s recommended daily intake of vitamin A. When carotenoids are consumed, your body converts them into a form of vitamin A.
According to the National Institute of Health, this vitamin helps vision especially when it comes to dim light. For those who want to keep their eyes healthy and clear, eating pumpkin will give you more of the vitamin A that your eyes need.
Continue to Page 2
