You’d be surprised how healthy pumpkin can be for you. If we told you that there’s a fruit that produces one cup that equates to 49 calories, 1.8 grams of protein, .2 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, and 12 grams of carbohydrates, you’d probably be ready to jump right in.
Here are ten reasons it’s OK to be totally obsessed with this season’s superfood.
1. Feel Fuller
Pumpkin seeds contain up to 1.7g of fiber and mashed pumpkin has up to 3g of fiber per cup. Why is this important? Getting 30-50g of fiber a day is recommended, unfortunately most people only get about half of that or less. Pumpkin is a great high nutrient, low calorie food. With only 42 calories per cup and loaded with fiber, pumpkin will keep you full longer, and regulate your blood sugar levels to keep food cravings at bay which helps you eat fewer calories and burn more fat.
2. Boost Vision
A cup of cubed pumpkin contains almost twice the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which promotes good vision, especially in dim light, according to the National Institutes of Health. It has also been found to slow the decline of retinal function in those with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness, according to researchers from Harvard. Bonus: Vitamin A also helps form and maintain healthy skin, teeth and bones.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
Pumpkin seed oil is full of phytoestrogens, which research shows are beneficial for preventing hypertension. When researchers fed rats a diet supplement with the oil, they found that it helped lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in just 12 weeks.
4. Better Immunity
6. Have a Healthier Heart
All that fiber can also help protect your ticker, research shows. One Harvard study of over 40,000 male health professionals found that those who ate a diet high in fiber had a 40 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to those who ate a diet low in fiber. A more recent study by Swedish researchers found that women who ate a diet high in fiber had a 25 percent lower risk of heart disease compared with women who ate a low fiber diet. Men benefitted less, likely because they’re more likely to get their fiber from breads, while women are more likely to get their fiber from healthier sources, like fruits and vegetables, the researchers write.
7. Get More Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that aids in many physiological functions like the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), relaxation of the nervous system, muscle growth and regulating bowel movements. And, 80% of Americans are deficient magnesium. Just 1 oz. of pumpkin seeds deliver about 30% of your daily recommended magnesium requirements.
8. Antioxidant Benefits
Beta carotene, is a provitamin the body converts into vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant that has been associated with its ability to fend of cancer. Beta carotene is thought to play a role protecting cells, boosting the immune system and helping to keep the reproductive system healthy. A half cup of canned pumpkin packs 953mg of vitamin A and only 42 calories.
9. More Potassium then Bananas
Bananas have made themselves popular for their potassium benefits. But did you know that a cup of cooked pumpkin has 564mg compared to bananas 422mg? Potassium deficiency can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness and inactive reflexes, so switch it up and rotate some pumpkin into your diet instead of solely relying on bananas for potassium
10. Boost Your Mood
Serotonin deficiency is a growing concern for many people. Researchers claim that it’s an epidemic inflicting its unique dark cloud misery on people and it’s noted that 80% of people suffer from serotonin deficiency. The reason why serotonin is important to overall wellness is because it’s our primary defense against depression and anxiety. A simple way to make sure you’re producing natural serotonin is to include foods that contain the amino acid tryptohphan which gets converted to serotinin in your body. Pumpkin seeds contain loads of tryptophan which will help keep your outlook on life bright and ensure a restful sleep.
So go ahead, have a second helping of pumpkin pie. The Compounding Pharmacy of Beverly Hills wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving!!
