Pumpkin- a popular vegetable for Halloween is highly nutritious! The orange gourds are extremely nutrient-dense, while also low in calories. As an added bonus, pumpkin seeds are packed with potent antioxidants. Simply put, the excellent nutritional profile of pumpkin has not only made them an integral part of natural health, it’s also garnered the attention of researchers who have looked deeper into the health benefits of pumpkin. Here are the top health benefits and remedies of pumpkin:
HEALTH BENEFITS:
BOOSTS IMMUNITY
Pumpkins are a storehouse of nutrients like vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, iron, magnesium and others. Vitamin A helps with cellular communication, which is essential for the tissues that protect against pathogens. Beta-carotene also has immune-stimulating properties.
BALANCES BLOOD SUGAR
Antioxidants are a potent source of phenols and antioxidant, this has caused inquiries into its role in promoting balanced blood sugar levels and the results have been positive. Additionally, the proteins in pumpkin seem to have an anti-hyperglycaemic potential.
WEIGHT LOSS
Pumpkins are low in calories and high in fibre. Fibre is known to keep you feeling full longer, thus controlling your appetite. Its high potassium content helps flush out excess salt and water, thus reducing water weight.
PRENATAL CARE
Pumpkins and roasted pumpkin seeds are good for pregnant women because of their numerous nutrients for prenatal development. Plus, they provide digestive benefits and can also relieve abdominal cramps during pregnancy.
PROMOTES FERTILITY
The B-complex vitamins present in pumpkins and pumpkin seeds support fertility. Antioxidant vitamin E, too, has been shown to improve fertility in both men and women.
REMEDIES:
PUMPKIN BODY SCRUB
You need ¼ cup cooked pureed pumpkin and ¼ cup brown sugar. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your body using a damp cloth. Scrub your body using circular motions and wash off with warm water.
PUMPKIN FACE MASK
You need ¼ cup fresh pumpkin meat, 1 teaspoon pumpkin seed oil and a splash of milk or cream. Combine the ingredients and blend it all together in a food processor. Apply the mixture to your face leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with water. The milk or cream is great for dry skin as it will moisturize and nourish it.
SOOTHING SOAK FOR WINTERS
If you buy eggnog over the season, save some of it to try yourself to a luxurious bath. For super hydrated skin this winter, add 4 cups of eggnog, 2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree and 8-10 drops of ylang ylang essential oil to warm bath water. Relax in the tub for 20 minutes. You’ll enjoy the luxury of the wonderful milk bath and your skin will feel smooth and soft.
HAIR MASK
You need 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil and 2 tablespoons honey. Mix all three of the ingredients together in a bowl until fully incorporated. Apply the mixture throughout your detangled, cleansed hair. Cover with a shower cap, and let the mixture sit on your hair for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and style as usual.
PUMPKIN TEA
You need pumpkin spice mix or just dried pumpkin powder. Add the powder in either milk or water whatever you prefer. If you are boiling the powder in water, add sugar/honey and consume. If you prefer milk, you may make it like the usual black milk tea or even add this pumpkin powder in masala chai for added kick.