While they make a great Halloween decoration, pumpkins are so much more than just a spooky ornament, as they also come packed with a huge number of health benefits.
In the last 90 days, there’s been a surge of internet searches for ‘pumpkin recipes’ with the term increasing by 192% on Google Trends, suggesting people are starting to experiment with this seasonal superfood.
To help you find out more about the pumpkin powerhouse, sports nutrition experts Bulk.com have revealed the key benefits of this super food, from glowing skin to strong bones and sharp vision, along with the most trending recipes this October.
Bulk.com Sports Nutritionist, Abigail Roberts, said: “Pumpkin is incredibly nutritious, so it’s no surprise to see so many people searching for innovative recipe ideas this year.
“Pumpkin is rich in beta carotene and vitamin C, which can both help to boost immunity and fight infections during the colder months. Not only that, but it is a great low-calorie option, with just 26 calories per 100 grams.
“Cooking your own pumpkin recipes from scratch can help ensure you’re getting the most out of this seasonal superfood, too, as many ready-made options only contain pumpkin spice, which doesn’t add any nutritional value to your diet.”
What are the key benefits of eating pumpkin?
Help to fight infection – As the winter weather draws closer, boosting your immunity is key to fighting off nasty colds and flu. Pumpkin is high in beta carotene (vitamin A) and vitamin C which both play key roles.
Eye Health – Another benefit of beta carotene is that it is reported to contributed to eye health. It helps the retina absorb light, which keeps your vision sharp.Your body uses beta-carotene and converts it to vitamin A, which is important for eye health. Better yet, just one cup of pumpkin provides you with more than 200% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A.
Glowing skin – If you thought you needed expensive face serums to achieve healthy skin, you may be surprised to hear pumpkin can also help, as the antioxidants (vitamin A, C and E) found in pumpkin are often used in skincare products. Beta carotene can also protect the skin from harmful UV rays and may also help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Pumpkin has the power to penetrate deep into skin helping to soften and soothe dry skin. Pumpkin also boosts collagen production which keeps skin from looking cracked and scaly.
Strong bones – Pumpkins are a wonderful source of magnesium which can help strengthen the formation of teeth and bones. Magnesium is also great for heart health as it helps to stabilise the rhythm of your heart and can prevent abnormal blood clotting.
Promotes weight loss – As a nutrient-dense food, pumpkin manages to be low in calories while still being packed with nutrients. With around 50 calories per cup (245 grams) pumpkin is great for weight-loss. What’s more, it is also a wonderful source of fibre, which can help curb your appetite and promote healthy digestion.