Pumpkin has been cultivated in China for over a hundred years. There's a folk saying, "A half piece of pumpkin on a hot day saves you from needing Chinese medicine," which describes its health benefits. So, what are the actual benefits of eating pumpkin in the autumn?
Reduces Swelling Pumpkin is a vegetable high in potassium and low in sodium. The abundant potassium can help alleviate edema and fatigue. Additionally, the "Chinese Materia Medica" records that pumpkin has the effect of detoxifying and reducing swelling, while the "Dian Nan Ben Cao" believes that eating pumpkin can promote urination.
Nourishes the Stomach Pumpkin and millet congee is a classic stomach-nourishing food. Besides being easily digestible and not burdening the stomach, the pectin in pumpkin can protect the gastric mucosa, promote ulcer healing, and aid digestion.
Moisturizes the Skin Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, and folic acid. These can help the skin combat oxidation, improve roughness and dullness, and restore its radiance.
Enriches the Blood The ancients considered pumpkin "a wonderful product for enriching the blood." Its blood-enriching effects not only come from iron but also from folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, and cobalt, all of which are substances that constitute blood or promote red blood cell synthesis. Meanwhile, the "Compendium of Materia Medica" notes that pumpkin can tonify the middle jiao and benefit qi, thereby enriching both qi and blood.
Regulates High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and High Cholesterol Pumpkin's characteristics of being high in potassium and low in sodium, rich in pectin, and containing dietary fiber give it the ability to help regulate high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids. The abundant pectin and trace element cobalt play a role in lowering postprandial blood sugar. However, because pumpkin is high in calories, diabetics need to control their intake.
Relieves Eye Fatigue Modern workers often experience dry eyes, photophobia, tearing, angular conjunctivitis, and blurred vision. Pumpkin is rich in carotene and vitamin A, both of which help maintain eye health.
Promotes Intestinal Health Constipation, fecal impaction, and hemorrhoids are enemies of intestinal health. The dietary fiber in pumpkin consists of soluble pectin and insoluble coarse fiber, which can improve constipation and shorten the time that food waste stays in the body.
Conclusion: Besides the benefits we've mentioned, eating pumpkin regularly can also enhance the body's immunity, reduce inflammation and relieve pain, astringe the lung qi, and protect the liver and kidneys. So, don't forget to eat some pumpkin at the beginning of autumn to maintain your health. Furthermore, pumpkin products are delicious, so you can satisfy your palate while keeping your body healthy.