3. Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is high in vitamins and minerals while
being low in calories. It’s also a great source of
beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body
converts into vitamin A.
Pumpkin contains the antioxidants alpha-
carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin
and many others, which may protect your cells
against damage by free radicals.
Pumpkin is high in vitamins A and C, which can help
boost your immune system. Its supply of vitamin E,
iron and folate may strengthen your immunity as
well.
Pumpkins’ high vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin
contents may protect your eyes against sight
loss, which becomes more common with age.
Pumpkin is packed with nutrients and yet has under 50
calories per cup (245 grams). This makes it a nutrient-
dense food. It’s also a good source of fiber, which may
suppress your appetite.
Pumpkins contain carotenoids, which function as
antioxidants. These compounds are linked to lower
risks of stomach, throat, pancreas and breast cancers.
Pumpkin is a good source of potassium, vitamin C,
fiber and antioxidants, which have been linked to
heart health benefits.
Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, which acts as a
natural sunblock. It also contains vitamins C and E, as
well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which can help keep your
skin strong and healthy.
Pumpkin, once sliced and cut, can be easily roasted, puréed
into soup or baked into pies. Its seeds are also edible and
highly nutritious.
Pumpkin is very healthy and generally safe when eaten
in moderation. Make sure to avoid pumpkin-based junk
foods, as they are often packed with added sugar.
8. Top-10 Pumpkin Products in the
U.S. Retail Channel
(in million dollars)
------------------------------------------------
Pie Filling $134.8
Cream $47.9
Coffee $32.7
Baking Mixes $25.7
Baked Bread $24.2
Dog Food $12.9
Yogurt $11.4
Ice Cream $9.8
Fresh Desserts $6.4
Milk 5.4
Source: The Nielsen Co.
9. From breakfast cereal to yogurt,
'tis the season for pumpkin-
flavored foods.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
For Starbucks, the Pumpkin
Spice Latte, referred to by its
fans as simply PSL, is the
coffee chain's most popular
seasonal beverage of all time
14. Petha, a sweet candy of North India
and Pakistan that is made from
pieces of ash gourd (also called
winter melon, wax gourd, or white
gourd) that are typically soaked in
lime water and then cooked in sugar
syrup. The centuries-old translucent
treat comes in many flavours,
including saffron, pineapple,
coconut, and mango, and is shaped
into small balls or rectangular
chunks. Petha is sometimes served
with syrup and is often soft and
chewy.
20. The total sales of
pumpkin-flavored food,
beverages, personal and
household goods in
supermarkets and
convenience stores across
the U.S. increased almost
80 percent between 2011
and 2015. Sales of those
items totaled more than
$360 million in 2015.