In this short article, we will answer the question “Is a pumpkin a fruit?” and will show why you should include it in your diet.
Is a pumpkin a fruit?
Pumpkins are indeed fruits. Pumpkin, although typically categorised as a vegetable, actually belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family of creeping plants, along with watermelon, melon, chayote, and cucumber.
Although the pumpkin’s shape might vary, it is often ovoid or oblong. According to the species, the rind might have numerous hues in addition to the orange.
The majority of specimens are medium or modest in size, however, the largest can weigh up to 30 kg. The pulp, which is typically orange, and the seeds are both found inside and are both edible.
Why should you eat pumpkin?
Carotenoids, pigments with photoprotective characteristics that shield the skin from the sun’s UV radiation and aid in the prevention of skin cancer, are abundant in pumpkins, or pumpkin, a vegetable.
Pumpkin also shields the eyes from UV rays emitted by the sun and from blue light released by computers and cell phones, avoiding cataracts, thanks to its high content of lutein and zeaxanthin carotenoids.
The primary varieties of pumpkin, come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be used with or without the skin in dishes such as soups, pastries, and purees.
Additionally, pumpkin seeds can be eaten as a snack or in baked goods like cakes, bread, and cookies in the form of flour.
The primary health advantages of eating pumpkins are:
- Preserve eye health
Lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids with strong antioxidant strength that shield the body from harm from free radicals, support eye health, and guard against cataracts, are abundant in pumpkin.
Additionally, the carotenoids found in pumpkin shield the eyes from the blue light emitted by computers and cell phones as well as the UV rays from the sun, preventing macular degeneration, a condition linked to ageing that impairs vision.
- Support for weight loss
Large amounts of fibre in pumpkin create a kind of gel-like substance in the stomach that speeds up food digestion, reduces appetite, and aids in weight loss.
Pumpkin is also a low-calorie and low-carb vegetable, making it an intriguing choice for regimens that aim to lose weight.
- Prevent diabetes.
Pumpkin helps prevent insulin resistance and diabetes because it has a high fibre content that delays the absorption of carbs from food and promotes the balance of blood glucose levels.
- Boost your immune system
Carotenoids, a substance with antioxidant characteristics that boost the immune system and aid in the fight against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, are abundant in pumpkin and help prevent illnesses like the flu, allergies, and colds.
- Aid in preventing cancer
Because pumpkin has a high concentration of chemicals with antioxidant characteristics, including beta-carotene and vitamin A, it helps the body fight off excess free radicals and prevents some cancers, including lung, pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers.
Additionally, the carotenoids included in pumpkins assist in reducing the development of skin cancer by shielding the skin from the sun’s UV rays.
- Prevent constipation
Pumpkin includes a lot of insoluble fibre, a type of fibre that thickens stools and encourages bowel movements naturally, making it easier to pass stools, therefore it helps with constipation.
- Take steps to lower blood pressure
Potassium, which is present in pumpkin, is a mineral that helps blood flow more easily and lowers blood pressure by relaxing the arteries. Additionally, potassium encourages the body’s extra sodium to be eliminated through the urine, which lowers blood pressure.
How is pumpkin used?
While there isn’t a set amount recommended for pumpkin consumption, it is advised to consume two to three servings of vegetables per day or about 160 g to 240 g total.
Pumpkin can be used in recipes for salads, purees, cakes, desserts, soups, and cookies. It can also be eaten with or without the skin.
Additionally, pumpkin seeds can be ground into flour and added to dishes like cakes, bread, and pastries. They can also be eaten as snacks or to season salads.
Conclusion:
In this short article, we answered the question “Is a pumpkin a fruit?” and have shown why you should include it in your diet.