For me, fall always means loads of delicious apples and more importantly pumpkins. Whether you’re a pumpkin spice latte fan or a pumpkin pie lover, this winter squash pops up in all sorts of forms in fall.
Sugary pumpkin lattes aside, eating pumpkin will boost your health in a variety of ways.
1. Pumpkins have loads of antioxidant-rich vitamin A. Pumpkins contain carotenoids, the pigments responsible for their hue, such as betacarotene, which the body converts to vitamin A and which work as a protective antioxidant for your body. We’re not saying you can eat to your heart’s content of pumpkin pie to help you detox but a pumpkin soup might just do the trick!
2. Pumpkins have loads of fibre. Try eating a pumpkin puree version as it usually has a denser amount of fibre as it’s boiled down.
3. Pumpkins are low-calorie. There are only 26 calories per 100 grams so it makes a great filling for pasta or baked goods when you want to cook a healthier version of a staple this season.
4. Pumpkin contain super healthy seeds. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and the antioxidant vitamin E in addition to phytonutrients. Add them to a salad or top your cereal with them.
5. Pumpkins are also good for your furry pets. That’s right, pumpkin can help dogs and cats with digestive issues–just make sure it’s a fresh, canned or pureed version and not anything sweet or baked.
And an interesting fact to note: Pumpkin rind has also been shown to have an antibiotic effect. Studies show that proteins from pumpkin rinds may inhibit the growth of microbes.
No comments:
Post a Comment