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Feb 23, 2024 · Pumpkin is an incredibly healthy vegetable, and safe for most people. Find out who should avoid eating pumpkin and learn more about its many health benefits.
- Cristina Mutchler
- Overview
- 1. Highly Nutritious and Particularly Rich in Vitamin A
- 2. High Antioxidant Content May Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Diseases
- 3. Packs Vitamins That May Boost Immunity
- 4. Vitamin A, Lutein and Zeaxanthin May Protect Your Eyesight
- 5. Nutrient Density and Low Calorie Count May Promote Weight Loss
- 6. Antioxidant Content May Lower Your Risk of Cancer
- 7. Potassium, Vitamin C and Fiber May Benefit Heart Health
- 8. Contains Compounds That Promote Healthy Skin
- 9. Incredibly Versatile and Easy to Add to Your Diet
Here’s why you should incorporate more of this nutritious, versatile type of winter squash into your diet.
Pumpkin is a type of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.
It’s native to North America and particularly popular around Thanksgiving and Halloween (1).
In the US, pumpkin typically refers to Cucurbita pepo, an orange type of winter squash. In other regions, such as Australia, pumpkin may refer to any type of winter squash.
While commonly viewed as a vegetable, pumpkin is scientifically a fruit, as it contains seeds. That said, it’s nutritionally more similar to vegetables than fruits.
Beyond its delicious taste, pumpkin is nutritious and linked to many health benefits.
Pumpkin has an impressive nutrient profile.
One cup of cooked pumpkin (245 grams) contains (2):
•Calories: 49
•Fat: 0.2 grams
•Protein: 2 grams
•Carbs: 12 grams
Free radicals are molecules produced by your body’s metabolic process. Though highly unstable, they have useful roles, such as destroying harmful bacteria.
However, excessive free radicals in your body create a state called oxidative stress, which has been linked to chronic illnesses, including heart disease and cancer (3).
Pumpkins contain antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin. These can neutralize free radicals, stopping them from damaging your cells (4).
Test-tube and animal studies have shown that these antioxidants protect skin against sun damage and lower the risk of cancer, eye diseases and other conditions (5, 6).
However, keep in mind that more human-based research is needed to make health recommendations.
Summary Pumpkin
Pumpkin is loaded with nutrients that can boost your immune system.
For one, it’s high in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.
Studies show that vitamin A can strengthen your immune system and help fight infections. Conversely, people with a vitamin A deficiency can have a weaker immune system (7, 8, 9).
Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which has been shown to increase white blood cell production, help immune cells work more effectively and make wounds heal faster (10, 11).
Aside from the two vitamins mentioned above, pumpkin is also a good source of vitamin E, iron and folate — all of which have been shown to aid the immune system as well (12).
Summary Pumpkin
It’s quite common for eyesight to diminish with age.
Fortunately, eating the right nutrients can lower your risk of sight loss. Pumpkin is plentiful in nutrients that have been linked to strong eyesight as your body ages.
For instance, its beta-carotene content provides your body with necessary vitamin A. Research shows that vitamin A deficiency is a very common cause of blindness (13, 14).
In an analysis of 22 studies, scientists discovered that people with higher intakes of beta-carotene had a significantly lower risk of cataracts, a common cause of blindness (15).
Pumpkin is also one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, two compounds linked to lower risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts (16).
Additionally, it contains good amounts of vitamins C and E, which function as antioxidants and may prevent free radicals from damaging your eye cells.
Pumpkin is considered a nutrient-dense food.
That means it’s incredibly low in calories despite being packed with nutrients.
In fact, pumpkin clocks in at under 50 calories per cup (245 grams) and consists of about 94% of water (2).
Simply put, pumpkin is a weight-loss friendly food because you can consume more of it than other carb sources — such as rice and potatoes — but still take in fewer calories.
What’s more, pumpkin is a good source of fiber, which can help curb your appetite.
Summary Pumpkin
Cancer is a serious illness in which cells grow abnormally.
Cancer cells produce free radicals to help them multiply rapidly (17).
Pumpkin is high in carotenoids, which are compounds that can function as antioxidants. This allows them to neutralize free radicals, which may protect against certain cancers.
For instance, an analysis of 13 studies showed that people with higher intakes of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene had significantly lower risks of stomach cancers (18).
Similarly, many other human studies have found that individuals with higher intakes of carotenoids have lower risks of throat, pancreas, breast and other cancers (19, 20, 21).
However, scientists aren’t sure if the carotenoids themselves or other factors — such as lifestyle habits of those who consume diets rich in carotenoids — are responsible for these lowered risks.
Pumpkin contains a variety of nutrients that can improve your heart health.
It’s high in potassium, vitamin C and fiber, which have been linked to heart benefits.
For instance, studies have shown that people with higher potassium intakes appear to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of strokes — two risk factors for heart disease (22, 23).
Pumpkin is also high in antioxidants, which may protect “bad” LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. When LDL cholesterol particles oxidize, they can clump along the walls of blood vessels, which can restrict your vessels and raise your risk of heart disease (24, 25).
Summary Pumpkin
is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which have
Pumpkins are loaded with nutrients that are great for your skin.
For one, it’s high in carotenoids like beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A.
In fact, one cup (245 grams) of cooked pumpkin packs 245% of the RDI for vitamin A (2).
Studies show that carotenoids like beta-carotene can act as a natural sunblock (26).
Once ingested, carotenoids are transported to various organs including your skin. Here, they help protect skin cells against damage from harmful UV rays (5).
Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin. Your body needs this vitamin to make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin strong and healthy (27).
Pumpkin is delicious, versatile and easy to add to your diet.
Its sweet flavor makes it a popular ingredient in dishes like custards, pies and pancakes. However, it works just as well in savory dishes such as roasted vegetables, soups and pastas.
Pumpkins have a very tough skin, so it requires some effort to slice. Once you cut it, scoop out the seeds and any stringy parts, then slice the pumpkin into wedges.
The seeds are also edible and packed with nutrients which offer many other benefits. For instance, pumpkin seeds may improve bladder and heart health (30, 31).
Pumpkin is also available pre-cut or canned, giving you flexibility with your recipes and preparation. When buying canned, be sure to read labels carefully, as not all products will be 100% pumpkin and you may want to avoid added ingredients, particularly sugar.
The easiest way to eat pumpkin is to season it with salt and pepper and roast it in the oven. Many people also enjoy making it into pumpkin soup, especially during winter.
May 19, 2023 · Pumpkin is generally a healthy food with no negative consequences if eaten in moderation, but for optimal health, you should limit highly processed, sugar-laden pumpkin foods to occasional...
Oct 5, 2024 · Eating pumpkin every day can help keep you regular, reduce inflammation, strengthen your immune system and promote eye health. It may also help lower blood pressure. Add a serving of pumpkin to your morning oatmeal or smoothie to start your day off right.
Sep 14, 2024 · A good pumpkin should feel heavy for its size and be free from blemishes. The pumpkin's shape doesn't matter—choose one with a stem 1 to 2 inches long to avoid early decay.
Apr 22, 2024 · Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, which may help with weight loss. Fiber can help you feel full, reduce appetite and food intake, encourage regular bowel movements, reduce blood...
People also ask
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Are pumpkins fruit?
Aug 1, 2024 · Pumpkins are edible, and if you've ever cut one open, you know it's full of seeds, so the pumpkin is the fruit of the pumpkin vine. All other varieties of squash are also fruit. So, if you typically claim squash is your favorite fall vegetable, you may want to rethink your response.
