Health Benefits Of Pumpkin & Pumpkin Spice

Lower Risk Of Cancer

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. It occurs when abnormal cells multiply and spread throughout the various organs of the body. Cancerous cells may develop in the breast, brain, lungs, small intestine, large intestine, thyroid gland, and so on. Pumpkins have a high content of beta-carotene, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties. You can find beta-carotene in a wide range of fruits and vegetables, particularly orange and yellow ones. However, not all responses to the carotenoid have been good, and some evidence indicates taking high doses of beta-carotene over a long period can lead to an increased risk for lung cancer in smokers.

Pumpkins are also good sources of vitamin A, vitamin K, and fiber, which have all been associated with a decreased risk of cancer. Moreover, the seeds in pumpkins contain significant amounts of B vitamins and squalene, which appear to combat the growth of breast, prostate, and colon cancer cells.

Keep reading to reveal the next health benefit of consuming pumpkin and pumpkin spice.

Delay Aging

As we age, our skin tends to make less collagen. Collagen is a vital protein also found in the bones, tendons, blood vessels, eye tissues, and other components of our bodies. It helps the skin maintain its elasticity, strength, and structure. The various vitamins and minerals of pumpkins, including vitamins A and E, are believed to promote healthy, youthful looking skin. Vitamin A may help improve collagen production as well as reduce wrinkles formed by the aging of the skin.

Vitamin E is another vitamin claimed to combat aging of the skin. It is widely thought vitamin E can inhibit the activity of free radicals, such as from UV rays, with skin cells. Other anti-aging nutrients found in pumpkins are vitamin C, copper, and zinc, which may help boost skin elasticity and tightness. Furthermore, some research has suggested the fatty acids in pumpkin seeds can slow down the rate at which skin ages. However, evidence for these claims has not been clarified yet.

Keep going to learn about the next health benefit of eating pumpkin and pumpkin spice.