Pumpkin Immune Health Benefits

There are many interesting facts about pumpkins that are not widely known. For instance, did you know that pumpkins are classified as fruits, not vegetables? Or that they are comprised of about 90% water? Another lesser-known fact is that pumpkins are packed with nutrients beneficial to our immune health.¹

While they might not receive as much attention as other immune-boosting fruits like oranges or elderberries, pumpkins still offer impressive vitamins that support immune function and overall wellness.

Vitamin A

Pumpkins are an excellent source of vitamin A. They contain beta-carotene, which gives them their iconic orange color. This plant carotenoid is converted into vitamin A within the body, helping to maintain lung health and regulate immune cell response. Since very few carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A, this compound is a real boon from this traditional pie staple.^2,3

Vitamin C

As another top nutrient, pumpkin is also rich in vitamin C. Providing almost 20% of the recommended daily amount per serving, pumpkin is a fun and simple way to enjoy the benefits of vitamin C. This vitamin helps neutralize damaging free radicals and supports the immune system by promoting immune cell production and delivering antioxidant defense.⁴

Vitamin E

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with immune health allies such as vitamin E. Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals. It may also help defend cells from oxidative stress and enhance the immune response. The average pumpkin provides around 500 seeds, offering plenty to go around!⁵

Minerals

Pumpkin seeds are a great source of minerals that promote healthy immune function, such as iron and zinc. These important nutrients support the development of healthy immune cells. Maintaining healthy levels of these minerals is crucial for immune cell health and in regulating immune function.^6,7

Another important mineral found in pumpkin seeds is magnesium. Magnesium plays a key role in immunoglobulin synthesis and immune cell function.⁸

If you’re looking for festive and fun ways to incorporate more pumpkin into your diet, we offer a variety of pumpkin recipes from no-bake desserts to healthy vegan pumpkin bread. If handling an entire pumpkin or scraping for seeds seems daunting, you can also find puree, seeds, and seed oils to suit your pumpkin preferences.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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