The quintessential fall months of October and November are upon us and you know what that means- changing leaves, cooler weather and pumpkins galore! There will be pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pies, pumpkin ravioli and more. There’s no question that pumpkin season is very tasty, but what does it mean for your health?
According to Food Network’s Chef Ingrid Hoffman, pumpkin seeds are “loaded with protein, iron, zinc and magnesium… so it’s a superfood, obviously.” Read on to learn the top six health benefits of enjoying some pumpkin this fall.
Health Benefit #1: A lower risk of death.
Pumpkin seeds are packed with magnesium, a required ingredient for bone and tooth health. Studies show that men with the highest levels of magnesium have a 40% lower risk of early death than men with the lowest levels. Eating pumpkin seeds is an easy way to consume your daily recommended dose of magnesium.
Health Benefit #2: Increased ability to fight colds and preserve your health.
In 1/4 cup of raw pumpkin seeds, a healthy adult will get 17% of the recommended daily allowance of zinc. The antioxidant zinc helps support the immune system, protects against age-related diseases, assists in the healing of wounds and fights off illness. Studies have also linked zinc to prostate health, osteoporosis prevention and overall immune function.
Health Benefit #3: Helps maintain good vision and healthy skin.
Beta-carotene converts to a form of vitamin A that promotes good vision, healthy skin and a strong immune system. In a 20 calorie, 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin, you’ll get vitamin E, vitamin C, iron, magnesium and a whopping 170% of your daily value of vitamin A! It’s a highly nutritious, low calorie snack.
Health Benefit #4: A reduced risk of cancer.
Pumpkins are one of the best sources for both alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. Both of these antioxidants have been found to protect the body against cancer-causing free radicals. A recent study linked alpha-carotene to a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Health Benefit #5: Support your efforts to lose weight.
With three grams of fiber in a one-cup serving, you will feel fuller longer, which results in less calorie consumption and weight loss over time.
Health Benefit #6: Boost your mood and ward off depression.
Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid l-tryptophan, which is the same ingredient rumored to put people to sleep after a large turkey meal on Thanksgiving. Tryptophan is required in the human diet for the body to produce serotonin. According to Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, “When levels of serotonin are high, you’re in a better mood, sleep better, and have a higher pain tolerance.”
With six amazing health benefits in mind, remember not to throw away the seeds after you carve your pumpkins this month. Instead, enjoy every health benefit from this superfood. Since personal factors like diet, stress and health history play a role in the amount of vitamins and minerals each person should consume, it never hurts to speak with a professional. Please feel free to stop by [company_short] to speak with an expert today and get personalized recommendations about the proper vitamins and minerals to supplement your diet. Call [phone_main] to learn more immediately.