Pumpkin, everyone knows and probably have consumed pumpkin, especially in America where it is being used as a treat on Halloween and is carved in various styles and as a puree at Thanksgiving for dessert, even used in pies, two of the world’s oldest holidays held yearly.
But aside from that, how much do you really know about this delectable nutritious fruit?
Pumpkin, a member of the gourd family, native to Central America and Mexico, cucumbers, cantaloupe, watermelons, zucchini and honeydew melons is also apart of this family.
The pumpkin has been grown for over five (5) thousand years packed with countless health benefits.
Pumpkin is a round bright-orange fruit with a thick rind, lots of seeds and an edible flesh which is normally used as food, the seeds can also be eaten and is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, this magnificent fruit is also a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals especially the flesh.
Foods enriched with fibre is excellent for weight loss and digestion and is said to be one of the most widely grown fruits.
Pumpkin has powerful anti-oxidants, protein, potassium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin C, magnesium, pantothenic acid, it is low in calories and have no saturated fat or cholesterol.
Originated from the Greek word “pepon” meaning large melon, pumpkin is known to reduce, treat or prevent the following health conditions;
- Protect the heart from diseases
- Treats or prevents eye disease like cataracts
- Cancers like breast, bladder, lung, colon, skin and cervical cancer in women
- Boosts the immune system thus protecting us from infections
- Protects the teeth from cavities and the gum from diseases in the process decreasing the risk of kidney cancer
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Reduce or maintain a healthy weight
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Lowers cholesterol
- Boosts sexually desire especially in men
- Studies have shown that this fruit boosts the testosterone levels in men and thus even make them lie less just by consuming the juice.
- It have been proven by dermatologists that pumpkin protects the skin from the sun, softens it and reduce wrinkles
- Acts as a memory booster
- Relieves constipation
The health benefits that derive from pumpkin are endless, just making it as a part of your daily diet will improve your health, it can be added to various dishes like soups, desserts, pies, bread, yogurt, oatmeal and baby food. Pumpkin can also be found in various sizes and colors.