What are the benefits of pumpkin?

Benefits of pumpkin

 Its content of nutrients

•  A source of antioxidants: such as; beta carotene; It is one of the important antioxidants in the body, as it helps repair what is caused by oxidative stress, and it also plays a role in reducing the risk of certain diseases. Such as Alzheimer's disease , high blood pressure, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Pumpkin also contains alpha-carotene and other antioxidants. Which protects cells from damage caused by free radicals; They are unstable molecules that are produced from various biological processes in the body, and they have beneficial roles. Such as fighting bacteria.
•  A source of fiber: which in turn slows the rate of absorption of sugar in the blood, promotes regular bowel movement, and improves the digestion process. Eating healthy fiber can also help reduce the risk of colon cancer, and the fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content of pumpkin improves heart health. It is worth noting that the recommended daily amount of fiber for adults ranges from 25 to 38 grams. Pumpkin is a low-calorie food rich in nutritional value, and the presence of fiber in it reduces appetite. 
•  A source of vitamins and minerals: Pumpkin is a food that helps reduce the incidence of diseases and improve the health of the immune system, as one cup, or the equivalent of 245 grams, of cooked pumpkin contains 245% of the daily dietary reference amount of vitamin A , which in turn helps fight infection. Viruses and infectious diseases. It also contains approximately 20% of the recommended amount of vitamin C daily. Which may help you recover from colds faster. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin E, iron, and folate, which are nutrients that improve the health of the immune system, in addition to zinc, which is also important for strengthening immunity. 
• A source of lutein and zeaxanthin: Pumpkin is one of the best food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin. They are two compounds linked to a reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein can also improve cognitive functions, including: Learning, memory , and concentration. 
•  A source of potassium: The potassium content of pumpkin is linked to improving heart health, and consuming a sufficient amount of potassium is linked to reducing high blood pressure, lowering the risk of stroke, and losing muscle mass, in addition to maintaining bone mineral density. 

Benefits of pumpkin according to the degree of effectiveness

 Possibly Effective 

• Contributing to hair growth: Consuming pumpkin seed oil can be effective for men who suffer from baldness, as it helps hair growth. 
• Help reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia: when consuming a product that contains pumpkin seed oil with saw palmetto or other herbs.  One study from the University of Cologne, which was published in the journal Urologia Internationalis in 2015, reported that consuming pumpkin seeds for 12 months reduced the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, based on the results of a tool used to detect these symptoms (in English: International Prostate Symptom Score), but There is still a need for more studies or a systematic review to confirm its effectiveness. [8] But on the other hand, a study published in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association in 2014 was conducted on 100 patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, comparing the effect of their consumption of pumpkin seed oil or the drug Prazosin (in English: Prozasin), and it was noted that pumpkin seed oil is effective It is safe in reducing benign prostatic hyperplasia, but it does not reach the effectiveness of prazosin.

There is insufficient evidence of its effectiveness (Insufficient Evidence) 

• Reducing symptoms of overactive bladder: A small study was conducted at Hokkaido University in 2014, and included 45 people with overactive bladder. I found that taking 10 milliliters of pumpkin seed oil extract daily for 12 weeks can significantly reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder, according to the results of the tool used to check its severity, which is called the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score.  According to another study published in the journal Functional Foods in 2014, consumption of pumpkin seeds with soy seed extract for 12 weeks by those suffering from a type of overactive bladder called Overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction may significantly reduce Urinary frequency , urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, nocturia, and other symptoms associated with this condition also improved their quality of life. 
• Reducing kidney infection: A study conducted at King Abdulaziz University in 2012 on mice showed that their consumption of aqueous extract of pumpkin fruit can reduce their risk of infection with one of the types of disease-causing fungi, such as: Aspergillus flavus fungus, and aflatoxin B1, which may It causes kidney damage , and this effect is due to its antioxidant properties. 

Benefits of pumpkin for diabetes 

A preliminary study conducted on mice and published in the journal Molecules in 2019 showed that a mixture of two plant extracts; One of the multiple sugar molecules in pumpkin helped reduce blood sugar levels in mice with type 2 diabetes, which may indicate a possible role for pumpkin in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes .

Benefits of pumpkin for skin and hair 

Pumpkin contains a high percentage of carotenoids. Calbeta carotene; Which is converted in the body into vitamin A; Pumpkin is also rich in it, according to what was mentioned above. These carotenoids help protect skin cells from damage caused by harmful ultraviolet rays. It also contains high amounts of vitamin C. It is necessary for skin health, as the body needs this vitamin to manufacture collagen . It is a protein that maintains skin health. Pumpkin also contains lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, and many antioxidants that play a role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays by reducing oxidative stress associated with skin problems, according to two reviews, one of which was published in the journal Clinics. in Dermatology in 2009, [16] and another in the ISRN Dermatology Journal in 2013,  Eating a diet rich in plant sources helps; Like pumpkin, it improves hair and skin health.

Benefits of pumpkin for the brain 

Pumpkin contains many nutrients that are beneficial for brain health, such as antioxidants, zinc, magnesium, copper, and other nutrients, but it is worth noting that the scientific studies that indicated the benefits of these nutrients looked at the effect of the nutritional element itself and not the benefits of pumpkin. But since pumpkin is high in these elements, its benefits can be obtained when eating it.  To learn more about the benefits of eating pumpkin for the brain and memory, you can read the article The benefits of pumpkin for the brain .

Nutritional value of pumpkin

 The following table shows the nutritional value available in 100 grams of fresh and boiled pumpkin:

Nutritional component	Fresh pumpkin	Cooked pumpkin
Water (ml)	91.6	93.69
Calories (kcal)	26	20
Protein (g)	1	0.72
Fat (grams)	0.1	0.07
Carbohydrates (grams)	6.5	4.9
Dietary fiber (g)	0.5	1.1
Sugar (grams)	2.76	2.08
Calcium (milligrams)	21	15
Iron (milligrams)	0.8	0.57
Magnesium (milligrams)	12	9
Phosphorus (milligrams)	44	30
Potassium (milligrams)	340	230
Sodium (milligrams)	1	1
Zinc (milligrams)	0.32	0.23
Copper (milligram)	0.127	0.091
Manganese (milligrams)	0.125	0.089
Selenium (micrograms)	0.3	0.2
Vitamin C (milligrams)	9	4.7
Vitamin B1 (milligrams)	0.05	0.031
Vitamin B2 (milligrams)	0.11	0.078
Vitamin B3 (milligrams)	0.6	0.413
Vitamin B5 (milligrams)	0.298	0.201
Vitamin B6 (milligrams)	0.061	0.044
Folate (micrograms)	16	9
Vitamin A (IU)	8513	5755
Vitamin E (milligrams)	1.06	0.8
Vitamin K (micrograms)	1.1	0.8

Pumpkin damage 

Pumpkin safety level 

Eating pumpkin is generally safe for most people when consumed in food, and possibly safe when consumed in medicinal amounts by some people. Side effects of products containing pumpkin are rare, but there is not enough information available about the safety of using pumpkin in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, the usual amounts of food must be adhered to to avoid side effects.

Warnings of using pumpkin 

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology stated that some cases of allergy to pumpkin may occur in rare cases, and symptoms can appear after cutting or eating pumpkin. They may include itchy eyes, sneezing , puffy eyelids, and chest tightness.

Pumpkin drug interactions

 It is recommended to be careful not to take pumpkin with lithium medications, as drug interactions may occur with it. As pumpkin has a diuretic effect, it may reduce the efficiency of getting rid of lithium , which can increase the amount of lithium in the body. It leads to serious side effects, so people who consume these medications should consult a doctor before eating pumpkin because of the possibility of needing to change their doses.

Frequently asked questions about pumpkin What are the benefits of pumpkin for children and infants?

 As we mentioned previously, pumpkin contains many beneficial nutrients for the body, but there are no scientific studies that have examined the benefits of pumpkin for children and infants in particular.

What is bitter gourd?

 There are many things that can cause bitterness in the pumpkin fruit and its seeds, depending on the type of pumpkin and its storage period. Some types of ornamental plants that were previously grown from another crop that has a different genetic composition can lead to the bitter taste of pumpkin, and the problem of rancidity can appear if pumpkin is stored at room temperature for a very long time.

What are the benefits of pumpkin pulp? 

Pumpkin pulp is also called pumpkin seeds, which are a good source of healthy oils and nutrients that promote heart health , bones, and other body functions. Seeds in general are rich in potassium and calcium, and a good source of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and magnesium. Which may help improve heart and bone health, lower blood pressure, and even reduce the risk of migraines.To learn more information about the benefits of these seeds, you can read the article Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds .

What are the benefits of pumpkin oil?

 Pumpkin oil is known as the oil extracted from pumpkin seeds, and most of the fats available in it are polyunsaturated fatty acids. Especially omega-3, omega-6, and monounsaturated fats, which contribute to improving good cholesterol levels. A preliminary study published in the journal Climacteric in 2011 indicated that consumption of this oil by menopausal women may raise levels of good HDL cholesterol,  . A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2014 also indicated that consumption of pumpkin seed oil in the form of capsules by men who suffer from a mild to moderate degree of alopecia has improved their hair growth and density,  and helps Pumpkin oil also helps fight bacterial infections and various fungi. 

What are the types of pumpkin?

 As we mentioned previously, there are many types of pumpkin available that differ in shape, size, and color. It may be orange alone, or orange in addition to one of these colors, such as white, yellow, light to dark green, and black.

Pumpkin overview

 Pumpkin, squash, or honey squash is considered a pumpkin. One of the types of winter squash, which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family (scientific name: Cucurbitaceae), which originates in North America. The pumpkin fruit is produced from a plant called Cucurbita pepo - L, which is considered a berry. Pumpkins vary in shape, color, and size. It can be oval, cylindrical, or flat, and its peel can be smooth or wrinkled, hard or soft, and its color is often orange or ranges between more than one color with it, such as white, yellow, light to dark green, and black, and it also varies. Thickness and color of fruit seeds; It can be white, yellow, or orange, and the weight of the fruit ranges from 30 to 50 grams, and it may contain a small or large amount of seeds. [6] [29] It should be noted that the pumpkin fruit is used like a vegetable, and its fruits are often harvested when they are very small and green and are called courgettes. Its seeds can also be eaten fresh or cooked, and the oil extracted from its seeds can also be eaten