The Most Unbelievable Health Benefits of Pumpkin

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who countdown the days until pumpkin-flavored everything is released, and those who absolutely love the overrated orange gourd.

Those that love it, love it for all its delicious reason, but those that don’t might be surprised to know there are actually several ways that this fall-food can improve your health. That’s right, the classic pumpkin might be more beneficial than you thought.These incredible health benefits might just convince you to love this festive food.

Improves digestion

Most people don’t know that pumpkin is actually made up of approximately 90% water. This means all that water promotes more bowel movements, and thus better digestion. In addition, pumpkin is high in fiber which also promotes healthy digestion, including bowel movements, and keeps you feeling fuller longer.

Rich in Vitamin A

Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, among many other things such as the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which specifically improve eye health by fighting cataracts. In fact, the actual health makeup of pumpkin is pretty impressive:

• Calories: 49
• Fat: 0.2 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Carbs: 12 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams

Regulates blood pressure

You might love the taste of pumpkin, but your heart loves it even more. Pumpkin is ideal for overall heart health including lowering blood pressure. It contains potassium and antioxidants, which contribute to good heart health. Specifically, the oil found in pumpkin seeds helps regulate and maintain blood pressure.

Reduces risk of cancer and other chronic diseases

If you knew pumpkin could fight cancer would you eat more of it? Well, the fact is that it does. While cancer causes free radical cells to grow radically, the antioxidants found in pumpkin help neutralize these cells, and this stopping the spread of cancer. The high antioxidants and water ratio in pumpkin actually helps the body fight a number of chronic diseases.

Combats diabetes

Speaking of chronic diseases, pumpkin also has the incredible ability to combat diabetes. Keeping in mind that a piece of pumpkin pie might not do the trick, but the pure pumpkin itself, which is low in calories and helps promote weight loss, can be a key component to keeping type II diabetes under control. Even more, the phenolic photochemical in pumpkin help to control blood sugar levels, which also lowers the risk of having diabetes.

May improve weight loss

Who would have ever known that this simple squash had all the secrets to successful weight loss? When it comes to losing weight you want foods that are nutrient-dense, high in water, or high in fiber; and pumpkin is all of those things. Being nutrient-dense means that pumpkin has several nutrients that the body needs, but with few calories, so you can consume more. It is also high in fiber so that whatever you do consume, helps you curb your appetite, feeling fuller, longer.