Reasons to Consume Pumpkin Flowers

Pumpkin flowers are just as brightly colored as pumpkin themselves. Similarly, they can be eaten. In fact, in many parts of the world pumpkin flowers are commonly steamed, boiled, stuffed, battered and fried. They can be eaten raw, too!

Because they are low in calories and sodium and contain negligible amount of fat, pumpkin flowers can make for excellent additions to one’s diet. They also boast of a little protein, and plenty of minerals such as phosphorous, iron, selenium, magnesium. Pumpkin flowers are loaded with vitamins B1, B2, B9 and C. And just like pumpkins, they also provide superb amounts of vitamin A, making them very good for your eyes.

So without further ado, let us check out some of the reasons why it’s a great idea for you to consume pumpkin flowers:

They Help Keep the Common Cold at Bay

We all know that vitamin C strengthens your immune system, thus considerably lowering your risk of a bout of cold. Since pumpkin flowers are packed with the immune-boosting nutrient, including them in your diet on a regular basis can help defend your body against the common cold.

But it’s not just the common cold that a strong immune system can shield you from, but so many other kinds of allergies and infections, too. In this day and age when everybody is leading stressful lives and environmental pollutants are everywhere you look, it really pays to have a toughened up immune system, courtesy of vitamin C.

They Promote a Younger-Looking You

Aside from strengthening your immune system, vitamin C can also help you look fantastic! Vitamin C is an antioxidant that neutralizes excess free radicals before those harmful molecules damage your skin cells. Also, the said vitamin slash antioxidant promotes the synthesis of collagen, which is something that firms up your skin.

Vitamin C also helps you flash a wonderful smile. That’s because it is so important for keeping the gums healthy. What’s more, experts say that vitamin C helps strengthen your pearly whites by promoting calcium absorption. So in order to maintain a lovely smile, remember to regularly consume vitamin C-rich foods like pumpkin flowers.

They Lower Your Risk of Having Osteoporosis

Just like what’s mentioned earlier, vitamin C plays a major role in the proper absorption of the mineral calcium. It’s due to this why the regular consumption of pumpkin flowers, which contain vitamin C, can help in strengthening your bones. By having your bones strengthened, your risk of suffering from osteoporosis can be lowered.

However, pumpkin flowers also contain a couple of other nutrients that are vital for strong bones. One of them is phosphorous, which works hand in hand with calcium in warding off osteoporosis. The other is magnesium, which is a mineral that contributes to the bone’s structural development.

They Keep Your Eyes Healthy and Your Vision Sharp

One of the nutrients found abundantly in pumpkin flower is vitamin A. This comes as no surprise because pumpkins are known to pack vitamin A. The bright coloration of pumpkins and pumpkin flowers is a giveaway that they are phenomenal sources of vitamin A, which is a plant pigment with antioxidant properties.

Vitamin A is important for keeping the delicate structures of your eyes in a healthy state. Since it’s an antioxidant, vitamin A fights off free radicals that can wreak havoc to your eyes. By keeping your eyes in a tip-top shape, you can enjoy razor-sharp vision and lowered risk of age-related macular degeneration which can lead to vision loss.

All of these are the health benefits that pumpkin flowers bring. You are not going to have a hard time finding them at your local farmers’ market or Asian grocer as they have very eye-catching yellow to orange colors!

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