Health benefits of eating pumpkin, including youthful appearance and weight loss
During fall, pumpkins become a popular household decoration. They are often carved, decorated and displayed for passers-by, but did you know they could be carved and put right on your dinner plate, too?
It can also be used in more savory dishes such as soup, pasta, hummus and more. And while pumpkin might be fall’s favorite fruit, it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals that can help improve your health.
Here are a few facts you should know about pumpkins before you stop by your local pumpkin patch or grocery store.
Pumpkins are a high source of vitamin A, which plays a significant role in eye health, according to experts.
Christie Gagnon, a registered dietitian at the food and lifestyle blog Hoorah to Health, told Fox News Digital that pumpkins are “packed full of vitamin A,” which is a nutrient that can “lower the risk of developing cataracts, a common cause of blindness.”
Vitamin A also helps promote “good eyesight,” according to Michelle Rauch, a registered dietitian at the Actors Fund Home, an assisted-living facility in Englewood, New Jersey.
Rauch added, “It plays an important part in forming and maintaining soft and skeletal muscle tissue, bone and mucus membranes.”
Additional compounds found in pumpkins that support vision health are lutein and zeaxanthin, two plant pigments that help to protect the eyes from harmful light waves, according to WebMD.
Vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin are beneficial to eye health, experts say.
An article reviewed by one of WebMD’s registered dietitians said a single cup of pumpkin can give a person 200% of their recommended daily vitamin A intake.
“If you get it, your eyes will thank you. Vitamin A helps you have healthy eyes and see more clearly, especially in low-light conditions,” the WebMD “Health Benefits of Pumpkin” article states.
Zinc, a mineral found in pumpkin, helps keep the retina healthy.
Aside from vitamin A, pumpkins are a high source of vitamin C, which is a nutrient that has long been associated with boosting immunity.
“Vitamin C aids neutrophils, a type of immune cell, in carrying out various immune functions such as getting rid of harmful bacteria,” Mackenzie Burgess told Fox News Digital. Burgess is a registered dietitian and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices, a food blog focused on offering simple meal solutions.
“With flu season just around the corner, consuming more pumpkin may be a great way to support your immune system,” Burgess told Fox News Digital.
Pumpkins are also full of vitamins D and E, beta-carotene, folate and iron.
Aside from vitamin A, pumpkins are a high source of vitamin C, which is a nutrient that has long been associated with immunity-boosting.
Mixing pumpkin into your diet can give you the immunity boost you need as the temperatures start to drop.
If you feel sickness coming on during fall, put together a warm pumpkin soup to help you feel better in no time.
“There are about 250 milligrams of potassium per half-cup serving of cooked pumpkin,” said Kimberly Baker, who is the director of the Clemson University Extension Food Systems and Safety Program.
“Potassium helps to contract muscles, regulates fluid and mineral balance within the cells of the body, and helps to maintain normal blood pressure.”
She added, “Males who are older than 19 should consume approximately 3,400 milligrams of potassium per day, and females older than 19 should consume 2,600 milligrams potassium per day unless told differently by a doctor or registered dietitian.”
Bananas aren’t the only fruit rich in potassium. Pumpkins can be a great source for the mineral.
A potassium fact sheet published by the National Institutes of Health matches Baker’s nutrition guidance for individuals who don’t have medical conditions with “impaired potassium excretion” or use medications that “impair potassium excretion.”
About 90% of potassium is excreted through urine and less than 10% is excreted through sweat or stool, according to a potassium-focused health report on Medscape, a website owned by WebMD that provides medical information to clinicians.
Pumpkins are 90% water. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds on a healthier diet, pumpkins could become your secret weapon, according to Burgess.
“Pumpkin is beneficial for weight loss because it’s largely made up of water, so it is low in calories while still containing many nutrients,” Burgess told Fox News Digital.
“Try adding more pumpkin to your diet by making pumpkin soup, pumpkin oatmeal, roasted pumpkin or pumpkin energy bites.”
If you’re looking to shed a few pounds on a healthier diet, pumpkins could become your secret weapon.
Including pumpkin in sugary treats like desserts and drinks is going to take away the weight-loss benefits.
Instead of a sugar-filled pumpkin pie, opt for a healthy roasted pumpkin — or a yummy pumpkin smoothie.
Pumpkins are high in fiber, which has a list of benefits, including satiating hunger and lowering “bad” cholesterol, called low-density lipoprotein, according to Rauch.
Other fiber-based benefits include improved bowel health and a lessened chance of blood sugar spiking, she said.
Since pumpkins are so high in fiber, they will help you stay full longer, which can help promote weight loss.
Pumpkins are high in fiber and antioxidants, which offer a list of health benefits, including improved bowel and skin health.
“Pumpkin is a good source of fiber and the pumpkin’s seeds which, in addition to being delicious, are rich in antioxidants and contain magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese,” Rauch told Fox News Digital.
“Canned pumpkin contains seven grams [of fiber] per cup.”
Pumpkins are loaded with antioxidants. These molecules help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals — unstable atoms.
Antioxidants neutralize these atoms, which in turn slows the aging process, according to Harvard Medical School.
Antioxidants have been connected to skin anti-aging.
One of the most prevalent antioxidants in pumpkin is beta-carotene, Baker told Fox News Digital.
In her words, “beta-carotene is an antioxidant, which can provide anti-inflammatory benefits [and] prevent aging in the skin.”
Your lungs play a vital role in ensuring that your body receives the oxygen it needs to function properly. When your lungs are healthy, breathing feels natural and effortless. However, when there is a problem, your body will often send warning signs. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious health conditions, including chronic lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even lung cancer. Here are some key symptoms that may indicate your lungs are not in good condition:
1. Persistent Cough:
A cough that lasts more than three weeks, especially without any other clear cause like a cold, could be a sign of lung trouble. Chronic coughing may suggest inflammation or infection in the airways, or more serious conditions such as tuberculosis or lung cancer…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
2. Shortness of Breath:
Feeling breathless during normal activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, or talking, can be a sign that your lungs are not functioning properly. Healthy lungs provide oxygen efficiently; difficulty breathing means your lungs may be struggling.
3. Chest Pain or Tightness:
Discomfort or pain in the chest when you breathe deeply, cough, or laugh could indicate issues like pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), infection, or even a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). It is a symptom that should never be ignored.
A high-pitched sound when you breathe, known as wheezing, can point to airway obstruction. This is commonly seen in asthma and other chronic lung diseases and may indicate inflammation or mucus build-up in the lungs.
5. Fatigue and Weakness:
If your lungs aren’t delivering enough oxygen, your entire body suffers. You may feel constantly tired or find it hard to concentrate or perform everyday tasks, which could signal reduced lung capacity.
6. Frequent Respiratory Infections:
Recurring bronchitis, pneumonia, or even frequent colds that go straight to your chest may mean your lungs are not strong enough to fight off infections.
In conclusion, your lungs are essential for life, and any persistent or unusual symptoms related to breathing should be taken seriously. Regular checkups, avoiding smoking, staying physically active, and breathing clean air are some ways to keep your lungs healthy and functioning properly. Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse—early action can save your life.
Death during sleep can be shocking and tragic, especially when it involves someone who seemed healthy. While it often feels sudden and mysterious, there are medical explanations behind such deaths. Understanding these causes can help us recognize warning signs and possibly prevent silent tragedies.
1. Cardiac Arrest: One of the most common reasons people die in their sleep is sudden cardiac arrest. This occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to electrical disturbances. People with undiagnosed heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease are at greater risk. The quiet of sleep masks the symptoms, and without immediate help, survival is rare…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
2. Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If untreated, it can lead to low oxygen levels, high blood pressure, heart strain, and even sudden death. Many people don’t know they have it.
3.Stroke: A stroke can strike during sleep when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked or a vessel bursts. High blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol increase the risk. Some victims never wake up. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
4. Respiratory Failure: People with severe asthma, COPD, or other lung diseases can experience breathing complications during sleep that lead to death if not managed properly.
Regular health check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and paying attention to sleep-related symptoms like loud snoring or gasping can make a big difference.
Uterine cancer, particularly endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus. While there is no guaranteed way to completely eliminate the risk, certain lifestyle changes and precautions can help reduce the chances of developing this condition. Here are four key things to avoid to reduce your risk:
1. Obesity: Being overweight is a significant risk factor for uterine cancer, as excess fat can lead to higher estrogen levels in the body, which in turn can promote the growth of abnormal cells in the uterus. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce this risk.
2. Uncontrolled Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Hormone therapy, especially estrogen-only treatment without progesterone, can increase the risk of uterine cancer. If you’re considering hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider and ensure you’re on the safest and most appropriate treatment plan…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
3. Poor Diet: A diet high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and low in fiber may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support your overall health and reduce cancer risk. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
4. Lack of Physical Activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity and increase the likelihood of hormonal imbalances, both of which raise uterine cancer risks. Regular physical activity helps keep the body in balance, reducing both obesity and potential hormone-related risks.
By avoiding these risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can take proactive steps in reducing the likelihood of uterine cancer. However, it’s crucial to remember that regular check-ups and being aware of your family history can also aid in early detection, which is vital for better outcomes.