Fast and Easy Pumpkin Fries with beef Recipe
* Pumpkin Improves Eye Health
This stellar winter squash is a real vision-booster. “Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids, which can be converted to vitamin A, important for keeping your skin and eyes healthy,” says Taub-Dix.
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, in particular, are beneficial in the battle against cataracts.
You’ve heard all about the sight advantages of carrots, right? Well the health benefits of pumpkin trump the same size serving of the root veggie: Half a cup of pumpkin contains more than 1,000 milligrams of vitamin A, while a half cup of cooked carrots has about 700 milligrams. (This is just another reason you should eat colorful foods.)
* Pumpkin Boosts Muscle Function
“As a good source of potassium, a nutrient the majority of us don’t get enough of, pumpkin can improve muscle function,” says Taub-Dix.
Pumpkin seeds are a strong source of muscle-building amino acids and muscle-relaxing magnesium.
Bonus pumpkin benefit: This filling squash could also potentially help you lose weight.
* Pumpkin Combats Diabetes
When you enjoy it unadorned (aka no fancy stuff, just the squash), pumpkin calories are quite low. Since following a low-cal diet (and losing weight, if necessary) is key to keeping type 2 diabetes in check, that makes pumpkin a wise choice. “Seek out canned pumpkin without added sugar and you can enjoy it all year,” says Taub-Dix.
The phenolic phytochemicals in this superfruit have been shown to control blood sugar levels, and in turn, lower the risk for diabetes. (Related: What Are These Phytonutrients Everyone Keeps Talking About?)
“Boosting fiber consumption can help maintain blood sugar levels, too, which can aid in weight loss and help manage diabetes,” says Werner.