Missing Out on These SURPRISING Pumpkin Benefits?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 20, 2022
It’s pumpkin season.
This humble squash is virtually ignored from December through to the following September. But when fall rolls around it takes center stage again.
For most of us, pumpkins show up as festive décor and baked into delicious pies in October and November.
But there are plenty of reasons you ought to start eating MORE fresh pumpkin all season long.
During October many of us keep a hollowed-out pumpkin perched on our front stoop with a scowl carved into its face. Then in November the squash makes its way inside where it graces our holiday tables.
The more adventurous among us might bake cubes of delicious pumpkin with other cool-weather veggies for a hearty side dish. And in my house, it’ll end up as the star ingredient in my wife’s killer pumpkin curry.
But it turns out we ought to be looking for even MORE ways to include pumpkin in our diet. The low-calorie squash is brimming with a surprising amount of vital nutrients your body needs.
- If you’re like most of us, you don’t get enough fiber. Pumpkins are PACKED with the stuff (7.1 grams per cup!). Even better, the squash is rich in pectin a soluble fiber which feeds the good bugs in your gut to support a healthy microbiome.
- Pumpkins also have one of the highest levels of vitamin A. In fact, they’re second only to beef liver – the best source of the vitamin on the planet. And all that A supports a healthy immune system and better vision.
- Pumpkin is loaded with free-radical-fighting antioxidants including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Antioxidants are healthy-aging superstars. They help protect us from premature aging and a variety of chronic conditions from cancer to heart disease.
In fact, when you eat pumpkin you support healthy aging from head to toe.
Eye health: Pumpkin is brimming with eye-supporting nutrients starting with two powerful antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin. This potent pair joins vitamins A, B6, and K to protect your eyes from UV and other harmful high-energy light waves from the sun. Lutein is especially effective at filtering out harmful blue light like the kind that comes from your computer or smartphone screen.
Heart Health: Potassium deficiency is very common and cases are on the rise. And pumpkin is packed with it! Potassium is critical for heart health and is linked to a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. Plus, potassium helps protect muscles and bones and reduces your risk of kidney stones. The fiber and vitamin C in pumpkin also help keep your heart healthy.
Skin Health: The beta-carotene in pumpkin is great for your skin. This natural antioxidant is converted to vitamin A which helps protect against UV sun damage.
P.S. Putting out your Thanksgiving spread early is a common tradition. But it turns out eating dinner early EVERY night has big health benefits. Click here for all the details.
Sources:
“Trend of Hypokalemia Prevalence in the US Population and Possible Food Causes.” J Am Coll Nutr. 2021 Mar-Apr;40(3):273-279. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2020.1765893. Epub 2020 May 13. PMID: 32401639., https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32401639/
“β-Carotene and other carotenoids in protection from sunlight,” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 96, Issue 5, November 2012, Pages 1179S–1184S, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.112.034819
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: Holistic Hacks to Manage Parkinson’s Symptoms
“My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I’ve noticed that his tremors and stiffness seem to be getting worse. Is there anything that can slow the disease? I’m worried about the side effects of his medications.” -Barb Hi Barb, A holistic approach focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and brain health is essential to...
One Ingredient Diet Hack TRANSFORMS Your Health
Trust me, I get it. You TRULY want to improve your health and feel and look better. However, just thinking about dieting makes you feel frustrated, exhausted, and ready to give up before you even get started. Because, let’s be honest, change is hard. But what if I told you that improving your health doesn’t...
Microplastic Mayhem Threatens Your Heart [ALERT]
As a regular Living Well Daily reader, you likely already know quite a bit about microplastics. After all, I’ve often written about the dangers they pose to our health. More research is needed to determine the precise damage ingesting microplastics causes, but we’ve already learned a thing or two. For example, studies have linked them...
Eyes Unlock Dementia Secrets a DECADE Early
The eyes are the window to the soul. We all know the old saying, of course. Its precise origins are unclear (it’s been attributed to the Bible, William Shakespeare, and Leonardo Da Vinci), but we know it’s true. After all, our eyes DO have a way of exposing our feelings. However, it’s not just emotions...
End the Afternoon Slump with THIS Evening Trick
We often joke about the afternoon slump and drifting off in our easy chairs. But the reality is when that fatigue keeps you from doing the things you love (or need) to do, your quality of life takes a serious hit. Take napping, for example. A daytime nap can be a refreshing luxury when you...
Confused About Protein Powders? Read This
So, you’re interested in trying protein powders. You may be planning on making breakfast smoothies with one. Or perhaps you’ll use it as an afternoon pick-me-up instead. A high-protein drink can be a great way to start the day because it helps you stay full far longer than a sugary bowl of cereal or a...
You CAN Develop a Happiness Habit [Here’s How...]
Life can be a total dumpster fire sometimes. We’ve all been there. Losing friends, arguing with family, and don’t even get me started on the whole money situation. Life’s challenging moments are enough to make anyone want to curl up into a ball and binge-watch Netflix for eternity. But wait, there’s a plot twist! Apparently,...
Mailbag: You CAN Avoid Diabetes Medications (Here’s How...)
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My doctor mentioned that I might need to start taking medication. Is there anything else I can do to manage my sugars before taking drugs?” – Nick Hi Nick, I’ve got good news! Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable and reversible with some extra effort on your...
“Osteoporosis Proof” Your Bones with a Breakfast Staple
Everything from ad campaigns to our doctors’ praise has given milk an unbeatable bone-building halo. For years, it’s been drummed into us. Milk is the ultimate key to strong bones. But IS dairy as good as it gets when it comes to protecting our bones? Don’t get me wrong—I AM a fat of full-fat dairy....
Delicious Drink SLASHES Bowel Cancer Risk
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of beating cancer. You’re on top of the world. After all, you’ve literally escaped death, and you have the endorphins surging through your body to prove it. But after that initial high, worry can start to sneak in because remission comes with a new risk—recurrence. With bowel cancer, the...