100 gm of Pumpkin provides only 26Kcal, it has 92 gm of moisture, 6.5gms of carbohydrates and merely 0.1gm of fat. It contains 1160 micro grams of Beta carotene and 8513 International units of vitamin A. An adult needs 600 mg of vitamin A and 4800micro grams of Beta carotene daily. Popularly known in Odisha as Kakharu.
Benefits of eating Pumpkin: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables of various colours have an immense beneficial effect on our body. Increasing intake of plant foods protects us against chronic diseases.
1. Prevention: Pumpkin is one of the richest sources of Beta carotene, a potent antioxidant. Beta carotene has been linked to reducing the risks of certain cancers, delay aging and protect against heart diseases.
2. Protection: Beta carotene has been shown to be beneficial for prostrate and colon cancer in a study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition.
3. Healthy Vision: Vitamin A and beta carotene are vital for the health of our eyes. While Vitamin A protects our vision, beta carotene is known to delay degeneration of the retina, prevent blurred vision and blindness.
4. Immunity: Pumpkin contains Vitamin C in addition to Beta carotene; this makes it a great natural immunity booster.
5. Weight Loss: Being low in calories and virtually fat free, it helps with your weight management diet plan. Not just cooked traditionally, pumpkin makes a great soup, it can be roasted and grilled or used to make a pie. You can fill up to your hearts content without worrying about calorie overload.
6. Skin Renewal: Being rich in Vitamin A, pumpkin is great for skin renewal too. It helps increase the production of collagen, providing youthful skin.
