8 Reasons Why You Should Eat Pumpkin this Fall

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Now that fall is finally here, pumpkin in all of its many forms is being enjoyed everywhere. Whether it be pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin muffins, or even just plain raw pumpkin, you will be glad to know that there is a legitimate reason to consume pumpkin aside from all the hype surrounding it – it is actually a very nutritious food that can benefit your health in a variety of ways.

What is it about pumpkin that is so beneficial? There are countless positive effects associated with eating this delicious food, but here are some of the most noteworthy.

Eyesight

As you may already know, vitamin A is essential to good vision. Luckily, pumpkin is packed full of vitamin A, so a healthy dose of pumpkin can actually help improve your vision. Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, a carotenoid responsible for its orange coloration, which the body metabolizes into vitamin A to aid in improving and retaining eyesight.

Heart Health

Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, which naturally reduce harmful cholesterol. Include the seeds in your fall festivities to reduce the risk of heart attacks and improve overall heart health.

Weight Loss

Fiber is an effective dieting tool, as it promotes feelings of fullness so you can be content with eating less. Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food, so feel good about indulging as it will not cause weight gain like many other popular holiday foods.

Skin Protection

Another benefit of carotenoids is their ability to neutralize free radicals, which are notorious for causing wrinkles and various other skin problems. Eat plenty of pumpkin to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Cancer Prevention

The same carotenoids responsible for improving your skin have also been associated with preventing cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the antioxidant beta-carotene has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer development.

Immune System Health

While there is some debate as to whether or not vitamin C plays a role in disease prevention, the vitamin C content of pumpkin can surely do your body some good in terms of strengthening the immune system.

Workout Recovery

You may have heard that potassium does a great job of refueling the body after a strenuous workout by initiating the muscle recovery process. While most gym-goers choose bananas as their snack of choice, pumpkin surprisingly has a higher potassium content than its yellow counterpart and therefore can be even more beneficial to your post-workout routine.

Mood Enhancer

Tryptophan is a chemical most notably associated with turkey due to the lazy contentment felt after a hefty Thanksgiving meal, but pumpkin seeds are also a great source of this amino acid. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, which is widely known as the “happy” chemical with regards to the brain’s neurochemistry. It is responsible for mood regulation, and increased serotonin is correlated with a better mood.

If you didn’t have enough reason to eat pumpkin already, this insight into its health benefits should be enough to convince you. Embrace the fall spirit and incorporate pumpkin into your diet – both your taste buds and your health will thank you!

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Liu Jiao
I have written articles on various physical and mental health related conditions, including diabetes/ heart disease/ autism/depression/Nutrition/fitness/diets/fad diets/herbs/alternative therapies/weight loss/obesity in children and adults/smoking risks/alcohol risks/fast foods/disease....

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