Pumpkin, the ultimate fall fruit, has major benefits for health, skin and hair. With autumn, pumpkin fever returns. From the Pumpkin Spice Latte rage to pumpkin pie, everyone loves its sweet taste, enhanced by various recipes. In addition, there is also Halloween, where carving a pumpkin is a major tradition. On social networks, pumpkins invade us this time of the year.
But pumpkin doesn’t just taste good, it also have major health benefits and properties for the gut, skin and hair. It is actually a rather underrated superfood that has extraordinary beneficial and anti-aging properties.
This autumn fruit belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family (which also includes zucchini, cucumber, melon and watermelon) and is, shockingly, a fruit. Pumpkins, which come in a wide range of varieties, come in all colors and shapes.
High in water and low in calories, pumpkin is a powerhouse of essential nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K and B vitamins such as pantothenic acid, folate, niacin and thiamine; minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and copper; and flavonoids and antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
So what are the benefits of pumpkin?
- It has a draining and diuretic action, due to its high water and potassium content which counteracts water retention.
- It is a natural antidepressant that prevents mood swings and insomnia, as it contains tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, of which it is rich.
- It is helpful in weight management because it is low in calories, high in fiber and provides a feeling of satiety.
- It has an anti-stress action, thanks to the presence of magnesium.
- It is great for eye health, thanks to vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eyes from free radicals.
- It prevents cardiovascular diseases.
- It contributes to the balance of the intestinal microbiota
- It supports the immune system.
- It helps regulate sugar absorption and is therefore (in moderation) a suitable food for diabetics.
Among the most appreciated benefits are those related to intestinal health. Pumpkin is made up of 90% water and is very rich in fiber, which makes it a great food if you suffer from constipation. Its consumption can help improve intestinal transit in cases of constipation and rebalance the bacterial flora.
Although there are no obvious side effects, it may be inadvisable to consume pumpkin if you suffer from excessive intestinal motility or irritable bowel syndrome.
Pumpkin is a true beauty food: its nutrients have an anti-aging effect on all skin types. The vitamin C it contains, especially, protects the epidermis from free radicals responsible for cellular aging and prevents wrinkles. Beta-carotene defends the skin from UV rays and zinc fights acne. In addition, the active ingredients in pumpkin stimulate collagen production, therefore improving the skin’s tone and texture. Pumpkin also contains natural enzymes that gently exfoliate the epidermis.
The nutrients contained in pumpkin nourish the hair bulb. Minerals especially play an important role in the health of our hair: potassium promotes normal hair growth and zinc, with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helps maintain the integrity of the scalp.
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