PUMPKINS – HEALTH BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS

PUMPKINS – HEALTH BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Pumpkin is a fruit as well as often cooked as a vegetable belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae and cultivated globally at high altitudes and sea levels. This ripe fruit is often used in various beverages and confectionery. It is also used to scare evil spirits and to decorate spooky Halloween parties. 

NUTRITIONAL FACTS – ONE CUP COOKED PUMPKIN (245gm)

     Nutrient                 Value

1. Calories                                     49
2. Protein                                       2 gm
3. Fat                                              0.2 gm
4. Carbohydrates                         12 gm
5. Fiber                                          3 gm
6. Vitamin A                                  245% of the RDI
7. Vitamin C                                  19% of the RDI
8. Potassium                                16% of the RDI
9. Copper                                     11% of the RDI
10. Manganese                             11% of the RDI
11. Vitamin B2                               11% of the RDI
12. Vitamin E                                 10% of the RDI
13. Iron                                           8% of the RDI

5- HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKINS

1. May Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Excessive free radicals in the body may create a state called oxidative stress, directly linked to chronic diseases including heart and cancer. Due to the presence of antioxidants namely alpha-carotene & beta-carotene in the pumpkin, they neutralize these free radicals and stop them from damaging your cells. Hence consumption of pumpkin may prevent you from chronic diseases.

2. May Boost Immunity

Pumpkin is loaded with nutrients namely beta-carotene which your body turns into vitamin A, which can boost your immune system. Pumpkin is high in Vitamin C, which has been shown to increase white blood cell production, may help immune cells work and thus boost your immunity.

3. May be Good for Eyesight

Pumpkin is enriched with several nutrients like beta-carotene which provides your body with essential vitamin A, and vitamin A deficiency is a very common cause of blindness or sight loss. Further, scientists revealed in many studies that people whose intake of beta-carotene is higher, had a considerably lower risk of cataracts.

4. May Use for Weight Loss

Pumpkin can say a weight-loss-friendly food due to nutrient-dense food, which means low in calories and you can consume more of it than other carbohydrate sources like rice and potato. Besides the above, pumpkin is also a good source of fiber, which can help control your appetite.

5. May Promote Healthy Skin

Studies show that carotenoids like beta-carotene can act as a natural sunblock, and pumpkin is high in carotenoids like beta-carotene which turns into vitamin A. Further, it is enriched with vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin because your body needs this vitamin to make collagen, that protein keeps your skin healthy.

SIDE-EFFECTS OF PUMPKIN 

1. Mostly pumpkins are considered safe for most, however, some people who are affected by allergies may experience allergies. 
2. Pumpkin is also considered a mildly diuretic, hence excessive consumption of pumpkin may induce a water pill-like reaction and your body expels this increasing amount through urine.
3. Pumpkins may interact with drugs such as lithium, but due to their diuretic properties, can impair the ability of your body to remove lithium causing serious side effects.