Fall is the season of pumpkins, but did you know that not only the fruit but also its flowers are packed with health benefits? That's right! Pumpkin flowers may be often overlooked and dismissed as a mere decoration for your autumnal table setting but these edible blossoms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their powerful properties. Let us talk about amazing health benefits of pumpkin flowers that will make you think twice before discarding them next time!
Antioxidants - Antioxidants are essential compounds that protect our cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Pumpkin flowers are an excellent source of these beneficial antioxidants, which help to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. One of the primary antioxidants found in pumpkin flowers is beta-carotene. This compound gives pumpkins their bright orange colour and is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision and skin integrity. Pumpkin flowers also contain other potent antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids support eye health by protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of blindness among older adults. In addition to these powerful antioxidants, pumpkin flowers also boast anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis and asthma.
Healthy Vision - Pumpkin flowers are not only a treat for your taste buds, but they can also do wonders for your vision. They contain high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are known to promote healthy eyesight. These nutrients help maintain the surface of the eye, protect it from damage caused by harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of developing cataracts. Beta-carotene is a type of antioxidant that helps prevent macular degeneration. It is considered one of the most important vitamins for maintaining good eye health. Pumpkin flowers also have lutein and zeaxanthin, two essential carotenoids that support healthy vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin act as natural sunscreens for the eyes by absorbing blue light and neutralizing free radicals that can cause oxidative stress on cells in our eyes.
Red Blood Cell Production - Pumpkin flowers are a rich source of iron, which is an essential mineral for red blood cell production. Iron helps in the formation of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Without enough iron, our body cannot produce enough haemoglobin and ultimately leads to anaemia. Anaemic patients can benefit greatly by adding pumpkin flowers to their diet as they contain a high quantity of iron. Consuming pumpkin flowers regularly can help increase the number of red blood cells and improve overall blood circulation in the body.
