{"id":21684,"date":"2020-10-22T20:25:24","date_gmt":"2020-10-22T20:25:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=21684"},"modified":"2020-10-27T22:16:07","modified_gmt":"2020-10-27T22:16:07","slug":"health-benefits-of-pumpkin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/health-benefits-of-pumpkin\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Health Benefits of Pumpkin to Support Your Fall Fix"},"content":{"rendered":"Is pumpkin good for you? Absolutely! Learn about the health benefits of pumpkin so you can feel good indulging as temperatures cool down.<\/em>\r\n\r\nPumpkins are easily one of the most popular fall foods. From pumpkin spice lattes<\/a> and pumpkin pies to pumpkin-flavored everything, what\u2019s not to love?\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019ve been pumped about pumpkin this year, keep reading to explore a few of the nutritional benefits of this fall favorite.\r\n

4 Health Benefits of Pumpkin<\/h2>\r\nAs festive as they are, pumpkins are also highly nutritious. They contain powerful antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain fiber<\/a>, which is great for aiding digestion<\/a> and promoting feelings of fullness.\r\n\r\nAnd although pumpkins are often prepared in sweet dishes, they’re an incredibly versatile item that can be utilized in savory dishes as well.\r\n\r\nHere are four exciting benefits of eating pumpkin.\r\n\r\n\"Cut\r\n

1. Pumpkins Are High in Carotenoids<\/h3>\r\nPumpkins are one of the best sources of compounds called carotenoids. Carotenoids are found in many foods, but especially in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables. They can convert into vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for healthy eyes and skin<\/a>.\r\n\r\nCarotenoids also protect cells and tissues<\/a> in the body from free radical damage. This damage can come from byproducts of our body\u2019s normal metabolic processes, air pollution, and UV rays from the sun. Getting ahead of the problem by consuming antioxidants helps combat the harmful effects of free radicals<\/a>.\r\n\r\nCarotenoids can support the immune system<\/a> as well. A 2018 article in the Journal of Clinical Medicine states that vitamin A deficiency leads to a dampened immune response<\/a> in mice, which may indicate that having enough vitamin A directly impacts your body\u2019s ability to effectively fight off illness.\r\n\r\nFinally, carotenoids are also anti-inflammatory, so consuming foods high in these compounds may help reduce inflammation<\/a> in the body. While acute inflammation is a normal and beneficial part of the body\u2019s immune response, inflammation that lasts for extended periods can lead to more serious health risks<\/a>. However, regularly eating fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids may help reduce your risk of developing these health issues.\r\n

2. Pumpkins Support a Healthy Immune System<\/h3>\r\nOne cup of pumpkin flesh contains 19 percent<\/a> of the daily value for vitamin C. This means that for the average person consuming a regular diet, one cup of pumpkin counts for nearly a fifth of the amount of vitamin C you need each day!\r\n\r\nDuring the fall season, many of us begin to be more conscious of what we can do to fortify our immune system<\/a> to combat the flu and other respiratory issues. Many people know that vitamin C is necessary<\/a> for maintaining a strong immune system. Since humans aren’t able to make vitamin C on our own, we must obtain enough through diet. Pumpkins are a great source of vitamin C and can be a part of a healthy diet, thus providing the health benefit of supporting proper immune function.\r\n\r\nIn addition to helping aid in immune function, vitamin C also enhances iron absorption. Iron deficiency<\/a> can cause symptoms such as:\r\n