Old pumpkins are in season. A bowl of pumpkin porridge on a cold day is a good food to satisfy hunger and boost health. Old pumpkins have long been known to be beneficial for postpartum swelling, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Not only old pumpkins, but all pumpkins are good for health. The American media USA Today recently introduced nine reasons why they are good for the body.

Is pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable? Many people tend to think it's a vegetable, but it is actually a berry fruit. Blueberries and acai berries, which are considered healthy, are related to pumpkin. In Western countries, pumpkin is used in pies, bread, lattes, and various other foods. In Korea, pumpkin is enjoyed in dishes such as jeon (pancakes), doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew), and buchimgae (pancakes). Where is pumpkin good for?

Immune function improvement = Nutritionist and wellness expert Samantha Casetti said, "One cup of pumpkin contains much more vitamin A than the daily required amount." Vitamin A compounds play a key role in supporting immune function because they help in the development of white blood cells.

 

Healthy vision = Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy eyesight. "Vitamin A helps vision by producing specific pigments necessary for the proper functioning of the retina," said dialysis specialist nurse Kerry Gans.

 

Rich in antioxidants = The vitamins A, C, E, and other antioxidants in pumpkin have anti-inflammatory effects, helping the body fight reactive oxygen species and potentially reducing the risk of heart disease, dementia, and certain cancers.

 

Pumpkin seed oil beneficial for the skin = Pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamin E. It is known to help restore the skin from oxidative stress and supply nutrients. Additionally, it helps maintain firm skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

 

Maintaining blood pressure levels = Casetti said that pumpkin is a good source of potassium and can help keep blood pressure levels healthy. Foods high in potassium help eliminate sodium.

 

Digestive health = Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which is good for digestive health. Foods high in fiber provide a feeling of fullness and satisfaction, making them good for meal regulation. Gans said, "Fiber can lower cholesterol levels, maintain gut health, stabilize blood sugar, and help with weight management."

 

Stress regulation = Both pumpkin seeds and pumpkin are high in magnesium. Casetti said, "Magnesium in pumpkin helps regulate the production of sleep and stress hormones." Magnesium helps manage cortisol levels, the body's stress hormone, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Bone health = Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin K helps stimulate proteins responsible for bone formation. There are also studies indicating that increasing vitamin K intake can reduce the risk of bone fractures.

 

Heart health = Pumpkin contains many nutrients and minerals beneficial for heart health, such as calcium and potassium. The high fiber content of pumpkin helps lower cholesterol levels, which also benefits heart health.

 

One of the greatest advantages of pumpkin as a healthy food is its easy preparation method. It can be incorporated into meals in various ways. Cassetti advised that eating pumpkin several times a week is a good way to maintain health. He said, "Half a cup per serving is standard, but eating up to a full cup is also good for your health," and "Even small amounts consumed as part of meals or snacks can be beneficial to health."

 

 

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Stress management is the best.

These days, I'm also taking care of my eye health.

 

I need to make pumpkin porridge.