When Fall season hits, especially during the months of October-November, many of us experience what I call pumpkin-itis. From carved jack o lanterns to Thanksgiving dinner pie desserts, we love this squash, and with many many good reasons.
Benefits Of Pumpkin In Your Diet:
It's catching on that including pumpkin in your diet can bring about many health benefits.
Pumpkins are gourd squashes of the genus Cucurbita and family Cucurbitaceae. They have been long used in traditional medicine as pumpkin flesh and seeds are abundant in nutrients.
Cucurbitaceae pepo species of pumpkin retains high moisture content, amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids in the seeds as well as protein and fiber.
Pumpkin is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and is a good source of Vitamins A, C, E and potassium.
Antioxidants in pumpkin may help decrease DNA damage and maintain immune function.
Beta-carotene reduces skin damage from the sun and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Tocopherols protect cells by preventing oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the cell membrane.
Benefits Of Pumpkin In Your Skin Care:
Pumpkin is very popular in facial skin care products varying from cleansers to masks.
Its exfoliating enzymes help slough off dead skin cells, beta-carotene and phytosterols help protect against environmental damage and reduce inflammation.
The vitamin C content can also help protect cells from free radicals as well as play a role in collagen synthesis and maintenance.
If you're the type who prefers a mask over a beady scrub, consider giving pumpkin a try for exfoliation.
With so many health benefits, how do you enjoy pumpkin?? :@)