Pumpkins Are Actually So Freaking Good For You
Pumpkins catch a lot of flack during the fall. As delish as they are, everyone still accuses the pumpkin spice latte of being the trademark drink of the basic girl.
But did you know pumpkins are low key ridiculously good for you? So instead of throwing more of our cash into the mouth of the Starbucks mermaid, let’s take a look at how important pumpkins actually are. Let’s break it down.
1. Sight
Pumpkins are actually proven to be very rich in carotenoids, and beta carotene, which are actually special compounds that give pumpkins that infamous orange glow. When your body converts it, it turns into vitamin A which protects your eyes from disease, and enhances your nighttime driving skills.
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2. Immune system
Iron is key in keeping your immune system strong, and only 1 cup of pumpkin puree can supply you with 3.4 grams of iron which is about 20% of what women need daily. Also in that single serving you can find 1,906 micros of vitamin A, and 15% of your daily vitamin E. Pumpkin also boosts the immune system by increasing your production of white blood cells.
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3. Mood
Pumpkin is packed with L-tryptophan, an amino acid that the human body simply cannot create by itself. When your body receives this amino, which helps produce serotonin; you will actually activate a feeling of peace and happiness.
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4. Weight loss
Pumpkin actually can be a key player in your weight loss regimen. Not only is it low calorie and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but it is rich in dietary fiber with 3 grams in 1 cup. That means it can keep you full for longer periods of time, while also regulating your blood sugar levels.
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5. Flushing the bad stuff out
If you don’t feel like eating pumpkins all day, and you’re more of a juicer, you’re in luck! Not only is pumpkin juice easy to make, but once consumed, acts like an innate diuretic. Diuretics are helpful in flushing toxins out of your body, and other useless materials stored in your stomach.
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6. Skin
Not only are the carotenoids in pumpkins useful for protecting your eyes, but the free radical powers can also benefit your skin. This vegetable not only holds one of the highest levels of vitamin A compared to other vegetables, but that same vitamin A is necessary for your skins moisture and once converted to retinoic acid it is your best defense against wrinkles.
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Bet the green mermaid couldn’t tell you all that.
