You can’t have fall without pumpkins, whether you use them as decor or flavoring in your latte. But what you may not know is that eating pumpkin offers all sorts of year-round nutritional benefits. By working pumpkin into your diet, you’ll get more essential vitamins and minerals to help with weight loss, heart health, and immune system function.
Nutritional Benefits of Eating Pumpkin
PUMPKIN AND WEIGHT LOSS
Pumpkin is loaded with important nutrients, but it doesn’t have a major impact on your calorie count. Because pumpkin is about 90% water, a cup clocks in at only around 50 calories. Eating pumpkin benefits your diet by getting your body the nutrients it needs for less, which can promote weight loss. It’s also high in fiber, which is a natural appetite suppressant and generally necessary for healthy function.
PUMPKIN AND HEART HEALTH
The nutritional advantages of eating pumpkin can have major benefits when it comes to keeping your heart healthy. Fiber, potassium, and vitamin C are all abundant in pumpkin and linked to heart benefits like lower blood pressure. Pumpkin is also rich in antioxidants, which can help preserve good cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in nutrients that can benefit your heart, and they make a great snack.
PUMPKIN AND IMMUNE SYSTEM HEALTH
The nutritional content of pumpkin, including vitamins and beta carotene, can offer benefits when it comes to your immunity. Folate, iron, and vitamins C and E are known immune system boosters, which means eating pumpkin benefits you during cold and flu season. Pumpkin can be easily incorporated into rich soups that are filling and nourishing.
Wills Chiropractic Can Help You Lose Weight and Get Fit
The nutritional benefits of eating pumpkin—including weight loss, better heart health, and a stronger immune system—can’t be overlooked. Eating pumpkin can be very helpful if you’re trying to maintain a balanced diet, and it can be used in a number of delicious ways. If you’re looking to build a better version of yourself, Wills Chiropractic can help with services like personal training. To get started, schedule your appointment online, call us at (815) 562-5333, or come visit us at our offices in Rochelle, IL.