The health benefits of pumpkin Pumpkin is a staple of fall, but this bright orange squash is much more than just a decorative symbol of the season. Pumpkin is packed with nutrients that make it a boon for your health. The luminous orange color of the pumpkin comes from beta-carotene, a very important antioxidant that the body transfers to vitamin A. Pumpkin provides 245% of your daily needs of vitamin A in just one cup! Vitamin A has been linked to reducing certain types of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant to fight free radical damage and it is also crucial for eye health and immune function. Pumpkin is high in fiber, providing 7 grams per cup cooked. This fiber helps regulate digestion, promotes feelings of fullness and maintains healthy cholesterol levels. Pumpkin contains pantothenic acid, a B vitamin that helps convert food into energy. This can boost your exercise performance and fight physical and mental fatigue. Pumpkin is loaded with many important minerals like potassium, which helps control blood pressure by counteracting sodium. It also promotes bone strength and reduces kidney stone formation. The seeds of the pumpkin are one of nature’s richest sources of zinc, which supports immune health and wound healing. Pumpkin seeds also contain eye-protecting antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin and cucurbitacins - compounds with anti-inflammatory effects.
Pumpkin can help manage IBD- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Traditionally, pumpkin is cosidered as a natural remedy for Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis (IBD). Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms. In people with IBD, the diversity and ratios of gut microbes are disrupted. Harmful bacteria outnumber protective bacteria, creating an imbalance referred to as dysbiosis. Pumpkin’s nutrients nourish good gut bacteria destroyed by Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis inflammation. A healthy microbiome ensures proper digestion and immunity against flare-ups.
Pumpkin is a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins (like A and C), minerals (like zinc and potassium) and antioxidants (line beta-carotene) that possess anti-inflammatory properties. The high fiber content of pumpkin can also help restore regular bowel movements for people struggling with IBD-related diarrhea or constipation.
Pumpkin is a great source of immune-supporting vitamin C, wound-healing vitamin K, and vitamins that are critical as part of Crohn’s, colitis and diverticulitis natural treatment.
Vitamin A, found abundantly in pumpkins, has been shown to suppress inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining. Carotenoids like beta-carotene also reduce swelling in the intestines by acting as antioxidants.
Pumpkin is rich with magnesium, an important mineral that relaxes the intestinal muscles, allowing for smoother digestion and less cramping or abdominal pain. Magnesium also helps rebuild the mucus layer of the GI tract, providing protection from inflammation.
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of amino acids like tryptophan and glutamic acids. These compounds curb inflammation and stimulate the production of gastric mucus - a layer that gets compromised in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
The high fiber content of pumpkin bulks up loose stools in diarrhea-predominant IBD. It also maintains the softness of stools to avoid exacerbating inflammation from straining.
Incorporate pumpkin into your anti-inflammaroty diet If you are dealing with Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis, incorporating natural anti-inflammatory remedies like pumpkin into your diet will help you to to alleviate some of the symptoms, to induce and maintain remission and to correct the bacterial imbalance in your gut by feeding the good bacteria. If you are looking for natural treatment options for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or other digestive issues from a qualified and experienced Naturopath, I urge you to schedule a consultation call with me and take the first step towards your recovery.
