September 23rd marked the first day of Fall and we are so excited for what this season brings. One thing to look forward to is all the pumpkin flavored options there are! Whether it is in a pie or a latte, pumpkin seems to be everywhere. But did you know there are many physical health benefits to pumpkin? Believe it or not pumpkin can be very beneficial to your diet! Below we have put together a list of all the surprising health benefits pumpkins have. Check it out here from us at Freedom Healthcare.
Leading the way, pumpkin makes you feel fuller faster and is great alternative food because seeds pack about 1.7 grams of fiber per ounce. Seeds help to keep you fuller longer and are a great snack! Eliminate constant snacking by eating pumpkin seeds or mashed pumpkin (50 calories per cup).
They help you see better! Yep, you read that one right. One cup of pumpkin has almost two times the recommended vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes good vision and studies have proven that pumpkin slows down the decline of retinal function in those who have retinitis pigmentosa.
Seniors can lower their blood pressure by consuming pumpkin. Pumpkin seed oil is proven to be full of phytoestrogens which is great in preventing hypertension. Studies show that it helps lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in as little as 12 weeks.
Looking to get a good night’s sleep? You will sleep much better when you find yourself eating more pumpkin seeds. Because seeds are rich in tryptophan, the amino acid is what gives you the thanksgiving dinner nap feels. When consumed enough, it will produce that feel-good sleep.
The pumpkin benefits don’t end there. Seeds are rich in beta-carotene and other antioxidants that have cancer-protective properties. Seeds can be especially healthy for men who show low levels of testosterone.
Have a healthier heart this fall by eating more pumpkin. All of the fiber inside pumpkin can go a long way in protecting your heart health. The only way this will work is by adding pumpkin in a healthier way to your diet- not just in mounds of pumpkin pie as we all wish we could have!
As if you weren’t excited for fall already, now you have some health reasons to be excited as well. Visit us at Freedom Homecare Highland Park today to learn more about our home care services and how you can get ready for fall favorites.
