Health benefits of pumpkin

woman with pumpkin

Fall is also known to many as pumpkin season. It’s the time of year when you can get away with consuming pumpkin everyday, whether it’s in the form of a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin-flavored protein bar or a homemade treat from grandma’s cookbook. There’s no denying how versatile its flavor is, but did you know how beneficial pumpkin is for your overall health? That’s right – pumpkin is going to do much more for your physical well-being than to simply satisfy a seasonal craving.

Here are a few of the many health benefits of pumpkin:

1. It can aid weight loss
Have you ever considered eating pumpkin for weight management? According to Health magazine, pumpkin is loaded with fiber content and has only 30 calories per cup. Limited calories and maximum fiber can help you shed pounds in no time.

“Pumpkin seeds are loaded with magnesium.”

2. It can improve your mood
Looking for a pick-me-up? Pumpkin seeds may be your next quick fix. Allison Aubrey, host of NPR’s “Stressed Out,” says pumpkin seeds are loaded with magnesium, a beneficial nutrient that has a reputation for reducing symptoms of anxiety.

3. It can boost your immunity
According to Medical News Today, the seeds and pulp of pumpkins are both high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, two nutrients that boost immunity and help your body maintain overall health and wellness.

4. It can make your skin more youthful
The beta-carotene that boosts your immunity also helps to protect the skin from harmful UV rays that cause wrinkles. Beyond eating pumpkin for skin care, however, you can turn it into a facial exfoliator to reap more benefits! Web MD suggested mixing 1/4 cup pureed pumpkin, one egg, a tablespoon of honey and tablespoon of milk to create the solution. Apply to your face, let sit for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Consuming pumpkin, and using it as an ingredient in exfoliant, can make your complexion more youthful.Consuming pumpkin, and using it as an ingredient in exfoliant, can make your complexion more youthful.

Healthy Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Want to look and feel your best by consuming more pumpkin? Take a break from your morning pumpkin spice latte and try this simple, wholesome pumpkin overnight oats recipe instead. Your skin and waistline will thank you later.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2 teaspoons chia seeds
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:

Place Greek yogurt, almond milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla and maple syrup in a medium bowl, mixing until well combined. Gradually stir in the oats, chia seeds and spices. Pour mixture into a glass mason jar or container, seal and place in the refrigerator for at least four hours – overnight is suggested. Enjoy!

There are hundreds of delicious pumpkin-inspired recipes out there that can improve your overall health. See how many beneficial options you can add to your diet this fall! If you’re not seeing results as quickly as you’d like, schedule your free consultation with Ideal Image today. We can help you look and feel your best this season.