Fall is in the air! It’s September, so it is basically Fall, right? There are a lot of things that are synonymous with autumn: brightly colored golden or crimson-red leaves, holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving, warmer clothes, and of course, everything pumpkin. There are many things to do with this fruit, from pumpkin spice lattes to vibrant Jack-o’-lantern carvings. But besides all the carving and fall decorations, pumpkins have some fantastic health benefits.
OH MY GOURD, right?
Pumpkins enhance your skin
Pumpkins have nutrients such as vitamins C, E, and A, which play an essential role in improving your skin. Vitamin C helps in forming collagen, which prevents bruising and heals wounds quickly. Vitamin E has excellent antioxidant properties and moisturizes the skin, thus preventing it from drying up. The beta-carotene found in pumpkins helps protect the skin from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays and may, to some extent, protect the skin from getting sunburned. Pumpkins also contain essential nutrients like zinc, which helps maintain your skin’s elasticity. So the next time you are shopping for a scrub, which removes dead skin cells to make your skin smoother and softer, look out for the one with pumpkin-based products as one of its main ingredients. If you want a more natural remedy, why not try your hands at making your own pumpkin-based scrub using sugar and canned pumpkin (homemade pumpkin puree works just as well).
Pumpkins improve your overall eye health
As mentioned, pumpkins contain essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, lutein and zeaxanthin, and zinc, all of which also play crucial roles in enhancing your eyes’ health. Vitamin A, which studies have shown is linked to improving vision and helps your eyes see well even in poorly lit areas. Vitamin C reduces the likelihood of macular deterioration, thus preventing adult blindness. The antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin can reduce chronic eye diseases such as cataracts and can also filter out harmful lights from your eyes. Zinc helps deliver Vitamin A to the eye to produce melanin, which not only gives your eye color but also protects it from the sun.
Pumpkins help regulate your blood pressure
You know how when you are all carving pumpkins and someone has to say “wait i want to save the seeds!” Well, pumpkin seeds are chock full of nutrients like potassium, and mono-saturated fatty acids that support cardiovascular health, maintain healthy blood vessels, and manage cholesterol in the body. Pumpkins are very versatile when it comes to their consumption. You can snack on pumpkin seeds or include pumpkins in your meals, like soups, smoothies, oatmeal, and even pasta.
Pumpkins help in digestion & weight loss
Pumpkins are rich in fiber, and when consumed, keep you feeling full for a long while. Therefore, if you are looking to lose some weight, it will help you control your appetite and reduce your craving for junk food. Plus, pumpkin also consists of about 90% water, which supports regular bowel movements, so you’re less likely to have any issues when it’s time to go!
Pumpkins are a pretty great fruit. Not only are they delicious and decorative, but they also have life-saving properties. This fall, take advantage of the abundance of pumpkins and incorporate it into your meals and diet plans.
