From Patch to Plate: All the Perks of Pumpkins

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Fall is officially here and you know what that means…PUMPKINS! Not only do pumpkins make for cute fall decor, but when used in the kitchen, they also pack a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into our foods. Due to their high nutritional value, pumpkins can provide numerous health benefits such as:

  • Boosting Immunity - Pumpkins are loaded with vitamin A. Vitamin A has been shown to strengthen the immune system and help fight off infections. Vitamin C, also in pumpkins, is linked to increased white blood cell production and enhances immune cell function.


  • Lowering Cancer Risk - Pumpkins are high in antioxidants, such as beta carotene, which neutralize free radicals in the body, and can help protect against cancer. Eating foods rich in beta-carotene may lower the risk of stomach, breast, pancreatic, and throat cancer.


  • Improving Heart Health - Pumpkins have potassium, fiber, and vitamin C which have all been linked to heart health benefits. High-fiber diets can lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and blood pressure, decreasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. 


Pumpkins are a fall staple that aren't going anywhere, so be sure to add them to your plate this season to get all the health benefits they provide!


K.F.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4

https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/cancer-nutrition-services/reducing-cancer-risk/antioxidants.html

Comments

  1. Kayla BrubakerOctober 2, 2024 at 5:03 PM

    Pumpkins are one of my favorite parts about fall! I loved your post. Thank you for posting all of the great health benefits that pumpkins provide. I just made pumpkin cookies the other day actually.

    ReplyDelete

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