Health benefits of pumpkin

Not only do pumpkins have an understated taste that lends itself well to a variety of dishes, they also offer a host of health benefits including antioxidants that are hugely beneficial to our bodies.

Supremely rich in beta-carotene - a form of antioxidant that helps bodies fight free radicals - due to the distinctive bright orange colour of its flesh, eating a beta-carotene rich diet can greatly reduce the chances of developing certain cancers.

Beside the healthfulness of pumpkin flesh, these healthy properties also extends to its seeds which are most commonly eaten dried. Pumpkin seeds are high in copper, fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium, protein, zinc and essential fatty acids and are commonly used in the treatment of illnesses such as kidney, gallbladder and prostate problems. Furthermore, they also help remove tapeworm and roundworm from intestines.

Eating pumpkin also has anti-inflammatory benefits in arthritis and is great for your skin too - vitamins A and C, as well as zinc and alpha-hydroxy-acids helps to reduce the signs of aging.

Try and incorporate some pumpkin into your diet and reap the health benefits of this fantastic vegetable.