Health Benefits of Pumpkin

A pumpkin has much more to offer than crooked smiles or a menial filling for holiday pies. Pumpkin is a member of the Cucurbita family which includes squash and cucumbers. Pumpkins got their name from the Greek word “pepon” meaning large melon. Seeds (pepitas) from related plants have been found in Mexico, dating back over 7000 years to 5500 B.C.
Natives used pumpkins (isqoutm, or isquotersquash as they were called) from function to healing. Not only did they flatten and dry thin strips of pumpkin, making them into mats, but research shows many Native American tribes were well aware of the pumpkin’s healing properties.

• Yuma tribes created an emulsion from pumpkin seeds and watermelon to help heal wounds. The seed oil was also used to treat burns.
• Catawba’s ate pumpkin seeds either fresh or dry as a form of medicine for kidney support.
• Menominee’s mixed powdered squash and water for urinary support.
• Modern folk healers believe the pumpkin to be beneficial in ridding the body of intestinal worms and also believed the ground stem of the pumpkin brewed into a tea, would help ease women during their menstrual cycle.

Whether age old remedies have ultimate healing powers or not, the nutrients present in just one serving of pumpkin are a testament to the health benefits of this timeless fruit.

The stats of one cup of antioxidant rich pumpkin puree:

Beta carotene: The rich orange color is a dead give away to the nutrients present in pumpkin. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in beta-carotene are less likely to develop certain cancers than those who fail to include beta-carotene-rich foods in their diet.
Potassium: Studies show people who have a potassium rich diet lower the risk for hypertension. Potassium rich foods include Tomatoes, broccoli, avocados, pomegranate and many others.

Zinc: Not only is zinc a major boost for your immune system, it also aids in bone density support for people at risk for osteoporosis.
High in Fiber: Diets rich in fiber may prevent cancer, heart disease and other serious ailments.
High in Phytochemicals: rich in Lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help prevent the formation of cataracts

References: 

Raman, Ryan. “9 Impressive Health Benefits of Pumpkin.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 28 Aug. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin.