Top 5 health benefits of pumpkin – BBC News Africa

Top 5 health benefits of pumpkin

Pumpkin is full of skin-friendly nutrients, including vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, all of which play an important role in the health of our skin.

The body does not produce vitamin C naturally, so it is important to get it from our diet, as it plays a role in the formation of collagen that keeps the skin supple. Vitamin C also helps prevent bruising and promotes wound healing.

Vitamin E is an excellent antioxidant and works with Vitamin C to help protect skin from sun damage and dryness. Vitamin A or beta-carotene also helps protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays and can help protect against sunburn, although sun protection is still essential!

Low levels of vitamin A have been linked to decreased vision and even blindness. Beta-carotene, along with vitamins C and E, helps protect the eyes and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases. Pumpkin is also an excellent source of two carotenoids called lutein and zeaxanthin, levels of which have been linked to reduced risk of developing cataracts.

As evidenced by its bright orange color, squash contains beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A when ingested. Research has shown that vitamin A plays an important role in boosting immune function. Vitamin C also contributes to immune activity by facilitating the activity of immune cells and increasing the number of white blood cells.

Metabolic syndrome is the medical name for a group of conditions including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Collectively, these conditions increase the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

A 2015 study in Japan found that diets high in carotenoids, the pigments in fruits and vegetables that give them their orange, yellow, and green colors, may help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.

Although there are no “superfoods” that can prevent cancer, and some cancer risk factors have nothing to do with diet, there is evidence that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, the antioxidant properties of carotenoids, and vitamins A and E, which are all found in pumpkin, may protect against some types of cancer, such as breast cancer.

In general, pumpkin is considered safe for most people, but some people may be allergic to it due to cross-reactivity with other fruits of the same family as pumpkin.

The chemicals in pumpkin seeds seem to have a diuretic effect, and consuming a large amount at one time may increase the amount of fluid and electrolytes excreted in the urine. If you are taking certain prescription medications, including lithium, you should consult your GP or healthcare professional for further advice.

This article was last reviewed on August 31, 2022 by Kerry Torrens.

Nicola Shbrook is a food processor and works with both private and corporate clients. She is a certified member of the British Association of Applied Nutrition and Dietetics (BANT) and the Council on Complementary and Natural Health Care (CNHC). To find out more, visit Urbanwellness.co.uk.

Kerry Torrens is a Certified Dietitian (MBANT) with a graduate degree in Personal Nutrition and Nutrition Therapy. She is a Fellow of the British Society for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a Fellow of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the past 15 years, she has contributed to a number of nutrition and culinary publications including BBC Good Food.

All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider.