Nutrition: Top 5 health benefits of pumpkin

Top 5 health benefits of pumpkin

Pumpkin is full of skin-benefiting nutrients, including vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, all of which play an important role in the health of our skin.

Vitamin C is not naturally made by the body, so it is important to get it from our diet, as it plays a role in the formation of collagen, which keeps skin plump. Vitamin C also helps prevent bruising and promotes wound healing.

Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant and works with Vitamin C to help protect skin from sun damage and dryness. Vitamin A or beta-carotene also helps protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays and can help protect against sunburn, although sun protection is still a must!

Low levels of vitamin A have been linked to decreased vision and even blindness. Beta-carotene, along with vitamins C and E, helps protect the eyes and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases. Pumpkin is also an excellent source of two carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin, levels of which have been linked to a reduced risk of cataracts.

As evidenced by its bright orange color, squash contains beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A when eaten. Research has shown that Vitamin A plays an important role in enhancing immune function. Vitamin C also contributes to immune activity by facilitating the activity of immune cells and increasing the number of white blood cells.

Metabolic syndrome is the medical name for a group of conditions including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Collectively, these conditions increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

A 2015 study in Japan found that diets high in carotenoids, which are pigments found in fruits and vegetables that give them their orange, yellow, and green colors, may help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.

Although there are no “superfoods” that can prevent cancer, and some cancer risk factors have nothing to do with diet, there is evidence that eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, the antioxidant properties of carotenoids, and vitamins A and E, which are all found in pumpkin, may protect against some types of cancer, such as breast cancer.

In general, pumpkin is considered safe for most people, but some people may be allergic to it due to cross-reactivity with other fruits in the same family as the pumpkin.

The chemicals in pumpkin seeds appear to have a diuretic effect, and consuming a large amount at one time may increase the amount of fluid and electrolytes that are excreted in the urine. If you are taking certain prescription medicines, including lithium, you should consult your GP or healthcare professional for further advice.

This article was last reviewed on August 31, 2022 by Kerry Torrens.

Nicola Sprock is a nutritional therapist and works with private and corporate clients. She is an accredited member of the British Society for Applied Nutrition and Diet Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council (CNHC). To find out more, visit Urbanwellness.co.uk.

Kerry Torrens is a qualified registered dietitian (MBANT) and holds a graduate degree in Personalized Nutrition and Nutrition Therapy. She is a Fellow of the British Society for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a Fellow of the Food Writers Guild. Over the past 15 years she has contributed to a number of nutrition and cooking publications including BBC Good Food.

All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider.