Eat Me: Enhances vision, aids sleep… Six health benefits of pumpkin

Pumpkin is regarded as both a fruit and vegetable, depending on its usage and who you’re asking.

It is naturally rich in vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants such as lutein, xanthin, and carotenes in abundance.

Here are six of its health benefits.

Aids weight management

Pumpkin contains fibre which makes you feel full for a long time, reduces your frequency of eating and prevents weight gain.

Enhances better vision

The fruit is rich in carotenoids, the compounds that give the gourd their bright orange colour, including beta-carotene, which the body converts into a form of vitamin A for additional visual protection.

Pumpkin also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that are thought to prevent eye diseases that could lead to blindness.

Aids sleep

Pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, the amino acid that induces sleep. It also helps the body to relax and it improves one’s mood.

Promotes healthy heart

It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Its seeds also contain chemicals called phytosterols that have been shown to reduce bad cholesterol.

Boosts the immune system

Pumpkin is a storehouse of many antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which help to boost the immune system and keep diseases at bay. It contains almost 20 percent of the recommended amount of daily vitamin C.

Prevents diabetes

The fruit has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance and increase the amount of insulin the body produces, making it a good fruit for diabetics.