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
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...
Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...
A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s
Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...
The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...