Beyond The Latte: 5 Health Benefits Of Eating Pumpkin
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Pumpkin is everywhere this time of year, but it’s a lot more than just a flavoring for your latte. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals that are good for your health in all sorts of ways, from boosting immunity to helping with weight loss. According to Harvard Medical School, eating pumpkin can even help you look younger.
You probably shouldn’t eat three slices of pumpkin pie in one sitting. However, there are other ways to incorporate pumpkin into healthy meals, such as soups. Fox News offers up a few reasons why you might want to add more pumpkin to your diet:
- To protect your eyesight – Pumpkins are high in vitamin A, which is important for eye health. It lowers the risk of developing cataracts. The gourds also one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are linked to lowering the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
- To boost immunity – They’re loaded with vitamin C, which is associated with immunity-boosting.
- To help you stay limber – Pumpkins are a great source of potassium. Dietitian Kimberly Baker says the mineral “helps to contract muscles, regulates fluid and mineral balance within the cells of the body, and helps to maintain normal blood pressure.”
- To shed a few pounds with a healthier diet – Since pumpkins are low in calories, high in fiber that can help you feel full longer, loaded with nutrients, and largely made up of water, they can help you lose weight.
- To help you look younger – The antioxidants in pumpkins help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thus slowing the aging process. Beta carotene, one of the most prevalent antioxidants in pumpkin, can keep your skin looking more youthful.
Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.
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