We couldn't resist carving out pumpkin health benefits

Best In Sow

Pumpkins are a great source of beta-carotene for your body to convert to vitamin A, which helps protect your eyes against sight loss. It is notably the science behind why carrots have their commonly known link with improving vision but were you also aware of the lesser known connection between pumpkins? Comparing an equal sized portion of carrots, it is actually pumpkins which are packed with over 40% more vitamin A goodness¹.

Potassium performance also pips bananas off their top spot. This time it is cooked pumpkin steaming ahead; one cup contains 564mg of potassium, far outperforming the 422mg provided by bananas². Lacking potassium can lead to fatigue and muscle weakness, so why not add some colourful variety as part of your balanced diet? 

Seeds Of Goodness

Pumpkin seed oil helps lower and prevent high blood pressure levels, whilst the plant compounds found in the pumpkin pulp and seeds also impact glucose within your body. They help absorb glucose in the tissues and intestines, balance liver glucose levels and may even lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Although yet to take shape, as it awaits further studies, researchers suggest this has the potential to be re-worked into an anti-diabetic medication.

A Weight Loss Winner

Although packed with nutritious health benefits, the pumpkin itself is around 90% water³ making it a weight loss friendly food. Advised to lower your risk of obesity, it is also canned as a low-calorie superstar. Nutrition experts explain this is due to the high fibre content of pumpkins, which slows down your digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

The many health benefits of pumpkins show they are not so scary after all and as Halloween approaches you may even be tempted to keep it in the kitchen, instead of your doorstep! When cooked, the skin, pulp and seeds of the pumpkin are edible and we’ve picked out some delicious recipes to get you started…

A CLASSIC PUMPKIN SOUP RECIPE 

PUMPKIN, CHICKPEA & COCONUT CURRY

ROAST PUMPKIN & PESTO TAGLIATELLE 

CRANBERRY & PUMPKIN-SEED CRISPBREADS 

ROAST PUMPKIN & SPINACH LASAGNE 

^{1 https://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Factsheets/Food-Sources-of-Vitamin-A.aspx
2 https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-health-benefits-pumpkins-you-didnt-know-and-32-creative-ways-have-pumpkin.html 
3 https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g1210/pumpkin-facts/}