3 Health Benefits That Pumpkins Have to Offer

Pumpkins are part of the squash family and they only come into season from late-September to mid-November. They're known as the autumn vegetable, but they're also more commonly used as Jack-O-Lanterns at Halloween, as opposed to in people's cooking. But why not? Why shouldn't we be using pumpkins in our cooking? They provide so many health benefits, and I'm going to tell you what those advantages are. So, how can you benefit form eating pumpkin this autumn? Let me explain, with the help of BBC Good Food.

1. There's evidence to suggest that pumpkins can support healthy skin

Pumpkins are packed full of vitamins, including vitamin C and E, along with something called beta-carotene, all of which are integral when it comes to ensuring healthy skin. Vitamin C isn't something that we make naturally, so we need to make sure we're getting it in the food we're eating. 

With the consumption of vitamin C from pumpkins, it can firm the skin as well as encourage skin healing. Vitamin E also holds has its benefits. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant that helps to prevent things like sun damage and dryness. The vitamins that pumpkins contain will do wonders for your skin, when eaten in enough quantity.

2. They support the immune system

Pumpkins contain beta-carotene, which is the reason for the orange colour. When beta-carotene is consumed, it converts into vitamin A, which plays a vital role in the integrity of the immune system. Vitamin C also promotes a healthy immune system, which is just another reason to eat pumpkin this autumn - they're packed with these powerful vitamins.

3. It may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a term that's used to cover a wealth of conditions, including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. When combined, these conditions increase your risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. However, a study done in Japan found that naturally-occurring pigments in fruits and vegetables can prevent this syndrome from occurring in the first place, including colours such as orange, yellow and green. 

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I hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you found it useful? Let me know in the comments below why you love to include pumpkin in your cooking and I'll see you again very soon with some brand new content.

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