Pumpkin is a highly nutrient-dense food. It is rich in vitamins and minerals but low incalories. Pumpkin seeds, leaves, and juices all pack a powerful nutritional punch.
There are many ways pumpkin can be incorporated into desserts, soups, salads, preserves, and even as a substitute for butter. A range of pumpkin products is available for purchase online.
This MNT Knowledge Center feature is part of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods. It will explore the health benefits and nutritional content of pumpkins, as well as ways to include more in the diet.
Fast facts on pumpkins
  • The potassium contained within pumpkins can have a positive effect on blood pressure.
  • The antioxidants in pumpkin could help prevent degenerative damage to the eyes.
  • Avoid canned pumpkin pie mix, as it typically contains added sugars and syrups.
  • Uncut pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months.
  • Pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin can be used as a replacement for butter or oil in baking recipes.

Possible health benefits

Pumpkins in a pile
Pumpkins have a range of proven health benefits.
Pumpkin has a range of fantastic health benefits, including being one of the best-known sources of beta-carotene.
Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant. It also gives orange vegetables and fruits their vibrant color. The body converts any ingested beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, offer protection against asthmaand heart disease, and delay aging and body degeneration.
Many studies have suggested that eating more plant foods such as pumpkin decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality. It can also help prevent diabetesand heart disease, and promote a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, and a healthful body mass index (BMI).
Pumpkins are also a powerful source of fiber.
They have demonstrated the following health benefits.

Regulating blood pressure

Eating pumpkin is good for the heart. The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C content in pumpkin all support heart health.
Studies suggest that consuming enough potassium may be almost as important as decreasing sodium intake for the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure. Decreasing sodium intake involves eating meals that contain little or no salt.
Increased potassium intake is also associated with a reduced risk of stroke,protection against loss of muscle mass, andpreservation of bone mineral density.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Research has suggested a positive relationship between a diet rich in beta-carotene and a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Beta-carotene has also been shown to hold back the development of colon cancer in some of the Japanese population.
The authors of the study concluded:
"We found a statistically significant inverse association between higher plasma lycopene [a type of beta-carotene] concentrations and lower risk of prostate cancer, which was restricted to older participants and those without a family history of prostate cancer."
Pumpkins contain a wealth of antioxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene have been shown to support eye health and prevent degenerative damage.
A cross-sectional study of older African-American women showed that eating 3 or more fruit servings per day was associated with a decreased risk of age-relatedmacular degeneration. It also led to slower progression of the disease.

Combating diabetes

Girl checks for diabetes
Pumpkins have a powerful effect on glucose absorption. This can help keep diabetes at bay.
Pumpkin helps to control diabetes.
The plant compounds in pumpkin seeds and pulp are excellent for helping the absorption of glucose into the tissues and intestines, as well as balancing levels of liver glucose.
They may be associated with a lower risk oftype 2 diabetes, but this effect is not consistently demonstrated. However, the compounds have such an impact that researchers suggest that they could be reworked into an anti-diabetic medication, though further studies are needed.

Daily fiber content

Pumpkins are a fantastic source of fiber. People in the United States (U.S.) do not consume enough fiber, with an average daily intake of just 15 g. The recommended daily fiber intake of is between 25 and 30 g.
Fiber slows the rate of sugar absorption into the blood, as well as promoting regular bowel movements and smooth digestion. A healthful fiber intake can also help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

With nearly 3 grams (g) of fiber in cooked, fresh pumpkin and over 7 g in canned pumpkin, adding a serving of pumpkin to the daily diet can help supplement the fiber shortage in the average American diet.