1. Highly nutritious
Pumpkin has an impressive nutrient profile. One cup of cooked pumpkin (245 grams) contains:
Calories: 49
Fat: 0.2 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Carbs: 12 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin A: 78% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin C: 13% of the RDI
Potassium: 12% of the RDI
Copper: 25% of the RDI
Manganese: 9% of the RDI
Riboflavin: 15% of the RDI
Vitamin E: 13% of the RDI
Iron: 8% of the RDI
Small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, folate, and several B vitamins.
Apart from being packed with vitamins and minerals, pumpkin is also relatively low in calories, as it’s 94% water. It’s also very rich in beta-carotene, a carotenoid that your body turns into vitamin A.
2. High in antioxidants that may reduce your risk of chronic diseases
Excessive free radicals in the body can cause oxidative stress which in turn is linked to a host of chronic diseases like heart ailments and cancer.
