HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN

The distinctive bright orange color of pumpkin clearly indicates that it's an excellent source of that all-important antioxidant beta-carotene. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers than those who fail to include beta-carotene-rich foods in their diet. Pumpkin also has another carotenoid, beta-cryptoxanthin, which may decrease the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

1. Feel Fuller

“Fiber helps keep you fuller longer, which keeps your appetite at bay so you eat less overall,” 

2. Boost Vision

A cup of cubed pumpkin contains almost twice the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, which promotes good vision, especially in dim light. It has also been found to slow the decline of retinal function in those with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Vitamin A also helps form and maintains healthy skin, teeth and bones.

3. Lower Blood Pressure

Pumpkin seed oil is full of phytoestrogens, beneficial for preventing hypertension. 

4. Sleep Better

Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, the amino acid that contributes to post-Thanksgiving dinner sleepiness. Tryptophan is also responsible for helping the body make serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps you relax and unwind. Not only do pumpkin seeds promote better sleep, the serotonin will improve your mood, says Virgin.

5. Protect Your Package

Pumpkins — especially the seeds — are rich in beta-carotene and other antioxidants with cancer protective properties. And pumpkin seeds could be especially healthy for men. 

6. Have a Healthier Heart

Nuts and seeds, including those of pumpkins, are naturally rich in certain plant-based chemicals called phytosterols that have been shown in studies to reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol. In scientific tests, pumpkin has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance and increase the amount of insulin the body produces. 

7. Rejunuvate Skin

The same free-radical-neutralizing powers of the carotenoids in pumpkin that may keep cancer cells at bay can also help keep the skin wrinkle-free. It contains alpha hydroxy acids, a natural fruit acid that helps lift away old skin cells to reveal a radiant, more luminous complexion, plus vitamin A, which helps increase the rate of cell renewal to unveil younger-looking, softer skin. Rich in essential fatty acids, pumpkin is also an effective way to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. It’s loaded with vitamin C and sodium hyaluronate to help hydrate and plump skin. 

8. Weight Loss

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which slows digestion. "Pumpkin keeps you feeling fuller longer. Pumpkin may be filling, but it's also a low-calorie superstar.  A fiber-rich diet seems to help people eat less, and thereby shed pounds.

9. Better Immunity

The large shot of vitamin A the fruit provides helps your body fight infections, viruses and infectious diseases. Pumpkin oil even helps fight various bacterial and fungal infections. 

10.  Reduce Cancer Risk

Like their orange comrades the sweet potato, the carrot and the butternut squash (to name a few), pumpkins boast the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may play a role in cancer prevention.

Food sources of beta-carotene seem to help more than a supplement, according to the NIH -- even more reason to scoop up some pumpkin today. And the plant sterols in pumpkin seeds have also been linked to fighting off certain cancers.