Superfood This Season Star – The Pumpkin!

The Seasonal Superfood: Pumpkin

With the holiday season upon us, pumpkins are everywhere, from decorations to infused drinks and desserts. It is a sign of holidays for most, but it also serves as a nutritional food that can offer many health benefits. It has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support various functions of the body. Dr. Aaron Workman, a top chiropractor at one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky, talks about some of the various benefits from adding pumpkin into your diet.

1. High Nutrients and Low Calories

Pumpkin is a great source of essential nutrients without adding anything else into the mix. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only around 50 calories. This makes it a good choice if you are just looking for filling, nutritious foods minus all the calories.  It is high in fiber that will aid your digestion and keep you full longer. This can be great if you find yourself overeating during the holidays.

2. High in Vitamins

Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. One cup of pumpkin can provide around 200% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin A. This vitamin is important for your eyes and vision. Vitamin A also plays a role in your body’s immunity by aiding in the fight against infections. This abundance of pumpkin just so happens to be around during cold and flu season so take advantage while you can.

3. Lots of Antioxidants

Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Antioxidants help to protect the body from oxidative stress. Over time this type of stress could lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease and some cancers. Pumpkin can be one more food item to provide support against those health issues.

4. Immune Booster

Thanks to its high vitamin C content, pumpkins can also support immune health. One cup of pumpkin can give anywhere from 10% to 20% of your RDI depending on how it is cooked. Vitamin C encourages the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections. The presence of beta-carotene further enhances immune health, making pumpkin a great addition for staying healthy during the holiday season.

5. Heart Health and Blood Pressure Support

Pumpkin is a heart-healthy food which contains potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of salt in the diet, which can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Fiber not only makes you feel fuller, but helps with proper cholesterol levels, supporting overall heart health.

The most complicated part of pumpkin is adding it to your diet without the addition of all the high calorie toppings and ingredients. You can blend it into soups, add it to smoothies, bake it into muffins or just enjoy it as a side. For the best health benefit, it is important to stick to the unsweetened recipes which will help avoid all the extra sugars.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner you will find pumpkin foods all around. It has its own unique taste, which for some, can be a warm reminder of friends, family, and the joy of the season. The best part of pumpkin is the taste, but with the number of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it is also a powerful food that supports everything from eye and heart health to immune function. As you enjoy the holidays, go ahead, and enjoy the many benefits of pumpkin knowing that you are providing a powerhouse of nutrition for your body.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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