A pumpkin is considered a fruit due to its natural seed bearing structure. However it’s also a vegetable as it is made up of many edible portions such as the leaves, stems, roots and flowers.
Whether it’s a fruit or vegetable, the pumpkin has plenty to offer us apart from its decorative purposes for Halloween.
These dense yet plump foods are large in size and seeds are small, but they’re packed with valuable nutrients and are great for baking and cooking too. Here are some scientifically-backed health benefits of pumpkin:
- Pumpkin is considered to be a squash and gourd as they are all part of the Cucurbitaceae family (family of flowering plants) that includes cucumber, melons and watermelons.
- Pumpkin seeds are an amazing source of nutrient supply and have been associated with decreasing the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
- Having a handful of pumpkin seeds a day contains about 25 percent of your daily intake of magnesium which is great in maintaining nerve and muscle functions, strong bones as well as maintains a steady heartbeat.
- Moreover, pumpkin flesh holds plenty of benefits. It provides a range of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre including vitamin A, C, E, potassium, copper, manganese and more.
- Tryptophan is an amino acid that is found in pumpkin seeds that can be used to treat chronic insomnia. Have a few pumpkin seeds before sleeping to help improve sleep quality.
- Pumpkin flesh and seeds are high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
- This large and mighty fruit or vegetable is a great ingredient in the kitchen. It can be turned into pies, soup, baked pumpkin, puree, cookies and more.
Sources: Health
