Amazing Health Benefits Of Pumpkin

Nuts and seeds (including pumpkin seeds) are a good source of phytosterols (naturally occurring plant-based compounds), which may lower "bad" cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Our bodies convert beta-carotene (the antioxidant that gives pumpkins their bright orange color) into vitamin A, which helps support eye health and vision.

One cup of cooked pumpkin has more potassium than a banana, making it a great way to refuel after a hard workout; potassium helps keep electrolytes in balance so that your muscles can function properly.

We all know that eating a fiber-rich diet can help you lose weight (because fiber helps you feel fuller longer and on fewer calories) and promotes healthy digestion, so why not try adding more delicious and  fiber-rich pumpkin to your diet?

Though there's still some debate about the efficacy of vitamin C in fighting and preventing common colds, the vitamin is still considered an essential part of a healthy diet, and just one cup of cooked pumpkin provides nearly 20 percent of your recommended daily value.

Fresh pumpkin is low in calories too; one cup has just 30 calories, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. And, because pumpkin is rich in fiber, as noted, it will help keep you full.

Need extra protection against free radical damage? One cup of pumpkin has 10 percent of your daily recommended value of vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help defend your skin. More research is needed, but it's more than likely that vitamin E plays an important role in keeping eyes and skin healthy.