Enjoy the health benefits of pumpkin just like our forefathers before us. Native American Indians used pumpkin as a healthy staple in their diets for centuries before the pilgrims landed. Pumpkins continued to be an important crop for the pilgrims because they stored well and provided a nutritious food source during the winter months.
Today, pumpkin flavoring is in everything from candy and coffee to ice cream and doughnuts. Don’t be fooled by this; pumpkins and their seeds are nutrient-dense foods that score high on the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI).
Pumpkins Contain Carotenoids Important for Immune Function
Pumpkins and related squashes are good sources of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, antioxidants belonging to a group of pigments called carotenoids.
- Carotenoids defend the body’s tissues against oxidative damage, helping to prevent chronic diseases and premature aging.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only known carotenoids located in the human retina. They help protect the eye from damage and improve several aspects of visual performance.
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