Calling all kaddu haters: These 5 health benefits of pumpkin will make you rethink your relationship with the fruit

Even if you don’t love the fruit, these health benefits of pumpkin will make you want to chomp on this versatile food.
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Don't judge pumpkin for the way it looks, revere it for its health benefits. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Team Health Shots Updated: 13 Oct 2023, 13:32 pm IST
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We generally do not associate the taste of pumpkin with something delectable, But this oft disliked fruit can actually give you some amazing recipes. Be it south Indian sambar or the Bengali bhaja–pumpkin is versatile to say the least.

But above all, the humble pumpkin also has a host of health benefits to offer:

1. Pumpkin can help you fight chronic diseases
Excessive free radicals in the body can cause oxidative stress which in turn is linked to a host of chronic diseases like heart ailments and cancer. Pumpkins are rich in alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin–all of which neutralise free radicals and stop them from damaging cells.

2. It is good for your eyes
A glass of pumpkin spice latte could pack in a punch, healthwise. Beta-carotene in pumpkin provides the body with necessary vitamin A, the deficiency of which is a common cause of blindness.

Scientists have found that greater vitamin A and beta-carotene intakes might stave off the risk of cataract. Not to mention, the vitamins C and E prevent free radicals from damaging eye cells.

health benefits of pumpkin
The humble kaddu is good for your eyesight, immune system, and more. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Pumpkin is also an immunity booster
Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Various studies have highlighted vitamin A’s efficacy in helping strengthening the immune system and fighting infections.

Pumpkin is also high in vitamin C, which increases white blood cells in the body and makes wounds heal faster. This was highlighted by researchers from the University of Otago, Switzerland.

4. It can reduce your risk of cancer
Today’s lifestyle and eating habits often expose a person to cancer. However, studies have found that people who consume foods high in alpha-carotene and beta-carotene have significantly lower stomach cancer risks.

Many researches have also highlighted higher intakes of carotenoids lower risks of a number of other types of cancer.

Also, read: 7 cancer-fighting foods you need to include in your diet right away

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5. Pumpkin can keep your blood sugar levels in check
Chewing on pumpkin seeds, or having it in any form, can go a long way in reducing blood sugar levels in the body.

Pumpkins seeds have a high magnesium content which could be beneficial for diabetics. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that there is a significant inverse association between magnesium intake and diabetes risk.

So do not wait for Halloween to carve out a pumpkin, slice into the natural storehouse of goodness every day!

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