5 Amazing Reasons You Need to Eat Pumpkin

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(WellnessPursuits.com) – Many of us only think about pumpkins on Halloween and Thanksgiving, but what if I told you that adding pumpkin to your daily diet could help improve your overall health? This superfood can help your body fight disease and maintain a normal blood pressure.

Check out these 5 amazing reasons you need to eat pumpkin:

  • Pumpkin helps protect your vision. As you age, your eyesight starts to diminish. While many people may turn to glasses or surgery, consuming more pumpkin can help boost your eye health. Pumpkin is a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which have been found to reduce macular degeneration and cataracts. This super fruit also has a significant amount of beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness, so a diet high in pumpkin may reduce your risk for vision loss.
  • Helps control appetite. Always hungry and wanting a snack every 15 minutes?  You’re not alone. Finding ways to curb that constant hunger pang is something we are all after. The answer may be with adding more pumpkin to your diet. This winter squash is high in fiber, This helps you feel full longer and keeps your intestines moving nicely.
  • Gives your skin a healthy glow. A dull, dry appearance is something everyone dreads. Give your skin a glow that promotes radiance and youth. Pumpkin contains vitamins and nutrients that keep skin firm and healthy. These compounds also help reverse the effects of sun damage.
  • Reduces the risk of chronic diseases. With so many new cases of cancer and other life-threatening conditions on the rise, preventative care is a priority. But where to start? The cultivar of the squash plant, cucurbita pepo, aka pumpkin, may help reduce the risk of developing some forms of cancer. Pumpkin has high levels of carotenoids that function as antioxidants. This in turn neutralizes free radicals, which have been known to cause cancer cells to multiply. The beta-carotene in pumpkin has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer, while both beta-carotene and fiber may also lower your risk of colon cancer.
  • Boosts immunity. Pumpkin is saturated and packed with good vitamins and nutrients that boost your immune system, such as vitamin C.  This increases the production of white blood cells to help the body fight off infection. Pumpkin contains vitamin E, folate and iron —- all of which help strengthen your immune system. This is beneficial at fighting off colds, flu and harmful bacteria.

Looking forward to devouring that pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving? Instead of buying it only during the holidays, add some pumpkin to your shopping cart throughout the year. There are hundreds of recipes and ways to incorporate this orange superfood to your diet! Your body will surely thank you.

~Here’s to Your Healthy Pursuits!

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