WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF PUMPKIN?

Pumpkin is rich in minerals such as fiber, calcium, potassium, phytosterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants such as carotenoid and tocopherol, trace elements such as zinc and its sodium content is quite low.

Pumpkin, also known as winter squash, is one of the best sources of beta carotene, a vitamin A precursor. Even 100 grams of it can meet more than your daily vitamin A needs. It also contains approximately 3 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per 100 grams.

Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A, one of the fat-soluble vitamins; When there is enough oil in the environment, it is absorbed by 80%. It helps the synthesis of mucus secretion that protects the epithelial tissue from drying out, hardening and degeneration. This tissue is found in the upper layer of the skin covering our body, nose, mouth, respiratory, and digestive system. When it is healthy, it prevents the entry of bacteria into the body. In addition, vitamin A, which is very useful for eye health, provides vision in the dark. It also plays a role in supporting bone growth, reproductive function, and the overall growth process.

PUMPKIN’S BENEFİTS

· Diabetes is a very common disease today with many complications. Pumpkin plays a role as an antidiabetic with the bioactive ingredients it contains. In a study with rats, consumption of pumpkin keeps glucose levels under control by reducing the need for insulin, due to the high content of polysaccharide in pumpkin, the concentration used to prevent Type 2 diabetes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

However, protein-bound polysaccharides from pumpkin increase glucose tolerance by lowering blood glucose levels. It has been stated that the active polysaccharides contained in it can significantly increase serum insulin levels, reduce blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance, and therefore can be developed as a new antidiabetic agent