16 Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) for Health
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| 16 Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) for Health/ Pixabay |
Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is a fruit native to North America, and in almost all parts of the pumpkin can be used, both as a vegetable, cakes, puddings and the seeds can be roasted and consumed.
The nutritional content contained in 100 grams of pumpkin, as follows:
- Water is 93.69 grams;
- Energy of 20 calories (Cal);
- Protein of 0.72 grams;
- 0.07 grams of fat;
- 4.9 grams of carbohydrates;
- 1.1 grams of fiber;
- 15 milligrams of calcium;
- 0.57 milligrams of iron;
- 9 milligrams of magnesium;
- Phosphorus of 30 grams;
- Potassium of 230 milligrams;
- 1 milligram of sodium;
- Zinc of 0.23 milligrams;
- 4.7 milligrams of vitamin C;
- Thiamin (Vitamin B1) of 0.031 milligrams;
- Riboflavin at 0.078 milligrams;
- Niacin of 0.413 milligrams;
- Micrograms of folate; and
- Vitamin A of 1.7 milligrams.
Pumpkin has many benefits for the health of the body, including:
1. Preventing Chronic Disease
Pumpkin contains antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta cryptoxanthin which are able to scavenge free radicals.
2. Boost Immune System
Pumpkin contains vitamin A which can strengthen the immune system and help fight infection. Besides that, pumpkin also contains high vitamin C, so it can increase the production of white blood cells, helping immune cells work more effectively in healing wounds. In addition to containing vitamins A and C, pumpkin also contains vitamin E, iron, and folic acid which can help boost the immune system.
3. Maintain Eye Health
Beta carotene and vitamin A contained in pumpkin can also improve eye health. Pumpkin is also one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are compounds that can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
4. Help Lose Weight
Pumpkin has very low calories, so if you want to lose weight, consuming pumpkin can be an option as a substitute for rice and potatoes.
5. Lower Cancer Risk
Pumpkin is high in carotenoids, which are compounds that function as antioxidants. These compounds can help neutralize free radicals that can protect us from certain cancers.
6. Lowering Blood Pressure
The content of potassium contained in pumpkin which plays a role in lowering blood pressure and reducing the possibility of having a stroke.
7. Lowers Cholesterol
The content of antioxidants in pumpkin can serve to reduce the content of bad cholesterol.
8. Healthy Heart
Pumpkin is rich in potassium, vitamin C and fiber which are very beneficial for heart health.
9. Healthy Skin / Anti Aging
Pumpkin contains carotenoids which are then converted into vitamin A in the body, and these carotenoids help protect skin cells from damage caused by harmful UV rays.
10. Bone Health
The potassium content in pumpkin can also play a role in maintaining bone density.
11. Smooth Digestion
Pumpkin is a fruit that contains high fiber, by consuming enough pumpkin can help us avoid constipation or constipation.
12. Maintain Brain Health and Function
Pumpkin flesh and pumpkin seeds contain choline, magnesium, fiber and the antioxidant lutein. These nutrients play an important role in maintaining brain function and reducing the risk of senility.
13. Maintain Sleep Quality
Pumpkin seeds contain a natural source of tryptophan, which is an amino acid that can help improve sleep quality.
14. Lowering Blood Sugar
Pumpkin can lower blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance and increase the amount of insulin the body produces.
15. Minimizing Chronic Disease
Pumpkin contains antioxidants, such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta cryptoxanthin which act as compounds to neutralize free radicals and can stop them from damaging cells in the body.
16. Keeping the Mood
The content of the amino acid tryptophan in pumpkin can then turn into serotonin in the body which will help fight depression and anxiety.
Hopefully helpful, and thank you.