The 11 benefits of pumpkin for your health

Pumpkin, squash or ahuyama is a vegetable native to Central America belonging to the genus cucurbitacea, such as cucumber or melon. The different names of this product refer to different species, sizes and colors. It is a vegetable highly valued for its important nutritional values.

Its properties make this vegetable a very beneficial culinary component for our health. So, in this article you can find the numerous benefits of pumpkin on our health.

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The squash or squash

The pumpkin is a vegetable with an important presence in the gastronomy of a large number of countries and cultures since it was exported to Europe. Although there are different varieties, most have similar nutritional properties. its taste is sweet, although it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Pumpkin is rich in fiber and one of the vegetables with the highest concentration of antioxidants. It is low in sodium and carbohydrates, hypocaloric and high in potassium. Besides

it is rich in vitamins and it has a high percentage of water, which makes it a nutritious vegetable without being very caloric. Its nutritional values ​​per hundred grams are approximately twenty-eight kilocalories, 1.4g of fiber, 0 cholesterol, 0.1g of fat and 5.6g of carbohydrates.

Not only is its meat used, but its seeds are also beneficial due to its high magnesium content (although these are not so low in calories). Also the leaves of the plant from which it arises have beneficial properties.

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The benefits of pumpkin

The health benefits of pumpkin are many and diverse, which make it an interesting product to incorporate into our diet. Some of the most notable benefits are detailed below.

1. Suitable for people with digestive problems

Pumpkin or squash are easy to digest and contain mucilages that protect the mucosa stomach, so people with heartburn or digestive problems can eat it without causing them inconvenience. In addition, it is a soft food which has even been recommended as one of the first solid foods for babies.

2. Keeps hypertension and heart problems at bay

People with hypertension can consume it with peace of mind, since it is a low-sodium food. It is also beneficial for lowering blood cholesterol. The seeds are a source of magnesium, which contributes to the good health of the cardiovascular system. In addition to this, it provides useful minerals for the cardiovascular system, such as iron.

3. Has diuretic action

The genitourinary system also benefits from squash consumption, since the high water content of This plant favors diuresis, being useful in kidney problems. In fact, it helps prevent the formation of stones in these organs, as well as reduce fluid retention.

4. anti-inflammatory food

Pumpkin consumption has proven anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce various inflammations.

5. good for diabetics

Pumpkin has few calories, few sugars and few carbohydrates, so it is suitable for eating. consumption of diabetics (although each subject must take into account their nutritional needs individuals).

In addition, studies with rats showed that the squash or squash It is useful for raising blood insulin levels, with which, if these results are replicated in humans, they could help reduce the number of times type 1 diabetics or insulin-dependent individuals have to inject it. In some of the experiments, it even helped regenerate damaged rodent pancreatic cells.

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6. Contributes to good digestion and weight loss

Another of the benefits of pumpkin is that it allows good gastrointestinal motility and, being nutritious and highly satiating, it is very low in calories and has few carbohydrates. It also has a high fiber and water content. All this makes It is useful for those who want to lose weight or have gastrointestinal problems.

7. Increases energy level

It is common to hear that after doing a lot of exercise or physical exertion in general, many people resort to eating bananas to recover energy due to its high potassium content and thus regenerate the energy level that muscles need to function correctly.

But the banana is not the only product that contains a high level of potassium. In fact, the squash contains an even greater amount than this fruit, with which It is an effective and healthy alternative to recover energy.

8. prevents anemia

Despite being a low-calorie product, eating squash helps prevent anemia because it contains a large amount of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Especially if eaten raw.

9. Helps prevent different types of cancer

Beta-carotene and the antioxidants it contains are very useful when it comes to preventing different types of cancer. Among them some types of melanomas. In the case of men, it also helps prevent prostate cancer due to the phytosterols and lycopene present in the pumpkin seeds.

10. Delays cell aging and improves skin care

Being one of the vegetables richest in antioxidants and having a high beta-carotene content, pumpkin is beneficial in regenerative processes and allows cells to take longer to age due to oxidation. These effects mean that, in addition to food consumption, the squash is used in different cosmetic products.

11. Helps regulate mood and sleep better

Pumpkin seeds contain a lot of tryptophan, a necessary component for the generation of various neurotransmitters. In addition also provides zinc, which is useful for the health of the immune system. The squash thus helps the body generate hormones that allow it to relax and reduce stress.

Bibliographic references:

• Xia, T. & Wang, Q. (2007). Hypoglycaemic role of Cucurbita ficifolia (Cucurbitaceae) fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Vol. 87, No. 9, pages 1753-1757.