It is the autumn superfooda very versatile vegetable to make all kinds of recipes and the halloween symbol par excellence. In addition, pumpkin is delicious and has many properties and health benefits. So much so that Spain is one of the largest global pumpkin exporters.
The pumpkin in a food rich in water and fiberwith low calorie intake, ideal for overweight people and digestive problems. “In addition, pumpkin contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant component,” maintains the Spanish Heart Foundation.
What are the benefits of eating pumpkin?
Pumpkin is a vegetable that is available all year round on market shelves at an affordable price, but in the autumn season and during the halloween party celebrationits consumption increases in the month of October. Beta-carotene is responsible for the orange color of pumpkin, and is an antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals, preventing cellular aging. Its nutritional properties:
- Fiber (soluble, which produces a satiating and laxative effect)
- carbohydrates
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene
What is a pumpkin fruit or vegetable?
Like the avocado, it works very well in both the savory world and the sweet world and technically, it is also considered a fruit. But in reality this particular vegetable is a hard shell berry.
What nutritional value does pumpkin have?
This way, It has important nutrients such as proteins and substances such as vitamin C and carotenoidsessential for the good condition of the body. Ideal for preparing delicious recipes, this fruit contains a low intake of calories (15 kcal per 100 grams consumed) and fat (0.2 g), since it is composed mostly of water (about 96 g), as highlighted in the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN).
On the other hand, it is rich in vitamins, fiber and contains powerful antioxidant properties that they prevent the aging cells. The most prominent carotenoids with provitamin A activity are lutein, b-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene and zeazantin.
As it has a low amount of carbohydrates and fats, and is mainly composed of water, contains purifying, diuretic and digestive properties, as highlighted by the nutritionist at the Ruber Juan Bravo Hospital Complex and the Quirónsalud Madrid University Hospital, Elena Pérez Montero, in the Quirónsalud channel.
Pumpkin, rich in vitamin C
Likewise, the nutrition expert highlights that the high amount of vitamin C present in pumpkin “It acts on collagen synthesis, on good bone and tooth formation and on the production of red blood cells.”
The high contribution of carotenoids with provitamin A activity, such as beta-carotene, contributes to the care of the skin, vision, immune system and our mucous membranes.
References
Pumpkin, a light and nutritious food. Spanish Heart Foundation. Available: https://fundaciondelcorazon.com/blog-impulso-vital/2501-calabaza-un-alimento-ligero-y-nutritivo.html Accessed October 11, 2023.
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