Yellow squash, aka kabocha, is a type of pumpkin that is often used as a complementary food to breast milk (MPASI). The color of the flesh of this Japanese pumpkin is a combination of yellow and orange.
This type of pumpkin has a delicious taste. Not surprisingly, many are happy to eat it. In fact, pumpkin can also be processed in various ways, be it by steaming it, making it into a cake mix, and even making compote.
The good news, pumpkin has a number of good effects for health. What are the benefits of pumpkin? Come on, find out the answer through the review below.
1. Contains Many Nutrients
Quoting from the Food Data Central US Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 100 grams the nutritional content of pumpkin consists of:
- Energy: 35 calories
- Protein: 1,18 gram
- Carbs: 8.24 grams
- Fiber: 1.2 grams
- Sugar: 3.53 grams
- Kalsium: 24 mg
- Potassium: 412 mg
- Vitamin C: 10,6 mg
In addition to the nutrients above, there are a number of other vitamins and minerals contained in pumpkin. Thanks to the pumpkin content, this vegetable can meet daily nutritional needs.
2. Lowers Cancer Risk
One of the pumpkin content, beta-carotene, can help reduce the risk of cancer.
When eating pumpkin, beta-carotene or phytochemicals in pumpkin will be converted into vitamin A. This content can help prevent some types of cancer.
“Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene can reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer,” said dr. Muhammad Anwar Irzan.
Quoted from Maturitas, foods rich in phytochemicals have been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer.
3. Supports Eye Health
Basically, the body needs vitamin A to support eye health. Eating foods rich in vitamin A, such as pumpkin, is the best choice for someone who is at risk for age-related macular degeneration.
In addition, pumpkin is also rich in vitamin C. When a person gets vitamin C intake from food, this can reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
4. Prevents Acid Reflux
The benefits of pumpkin for the stomach can also help prevent acid reflux or GERD.
This benefit is obtained from the fiber content contained in the pumpkin. Insoluble fiber in pumpkin can help speed up the rate of food from the stomach to the intestines. That way, eating pumpkins can reduce the occurrence of reflux.
5. Low Glycemic Index
The benefits of pumpkin turned out to be very good for diabetics. This is because pumpkin calories are very low and this vegetable also has a low glycemic index, so it can maintain blood sugar levels so they don’t spike.
That way, eating kabocha squash can keep you full longer and prevent your blood sugar from rising quickly. Related Article: Can Diabetes Patients Consume Apricots – way of eating and side effects?
6. Prevents Oxidative Damage
The benefits of steamed pumpkin can also have an antioxidant effect, so it can prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Excessive free radicals in the body can trigger oxidative stress which has been linked to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer.
Luckily, pumpkin contains antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that can keep cells healthy and protect them from oxidative damage.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure
Thanks to the potassium and fiber content in yellow squash, it can help maintain sodium levels and lower blood pressure.
Moreover, kabocha pumpkin also contains no fat, so it can maintain cholesterol levels in the body.
That way, eating pumpkin can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol buildup, and prevent heart problems.
8. Improves Skin Health
The content of antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lutein in pumpkin is also beneficial for skin health.
The reason is, that antioxidants will play a role in preventing oxidation and inflammation of skin cells. This of course can protect the skin from damage, signs of aging, and the development of skin cancer.
9. Lose Weight
Even though pumpkin calories tend to be low, this one food is rich in nutrients. Therefore, many people use pumpkin to help lose weight.
The fiber content in these vegetables can make you feel full longer so that it can prevent an increase in appetite.
10. Increases Collagen Synthesis
Yellow pumpkin contains high vitamin C. Of course, this can support the synthesis of collagen in the body. As we know, this one protein has many functions in the body.
Apart from skin, collagen also has a role in the health of bones, bones, cartilage, muscles, and blood vessels.
It is important to remember, collagen production in the body decreases with age. Therefore, it is important to eat pumpkin to help increase collagen synthesis.
11. Prevents Neural Tube Defects
Yellow pumpkin contains folic acid which is good for consumption during pregnancy. Folate is a nutrient involved in cell division and DNA synthesis.
This can help prevent neural tube defects in newborns. Therefore, it is recommended to consume pumpkins for pregnant women.
12. Source of Vitamin C
Fulfillment of vitamin C intake is proven to increase the production of white blood cells. This can help immune cells work more effectively.
Luckily, pumpkin contains abundant vitamin C, so it can help maintain the immune system to stay healthy.
13. Increase Fiber Intake
Fiber intake in pumpkin can actually help smooth the digestive system and prevent constipation.
When it enters the body, fiber can provide direct or indirect benefits. However, most of the functions of fiber are related to good bacteria in the gut.
Fiber intake can keep the number of bacteria in the intestine balanced so that the function of the digestive tract can be maintained properly.
14. Improves Bladder Function
Kabocha may improve bladder function. In addition, consuming pumpkin can also help treat overactive bladder.
Based on the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, pumpkin seed oil extract is effective for overactive bladder disorders.
15. Supports Baby’s Growth
Some parents choose to add pumpkin to their little one’s MPASI menu. The reason is, this Japanese pumpkin has a soft texture and tastes delicious.
Not only that, the nutrients in kabocha are also very high, so they can meet the nutritional needs of babies and help support their growth.
16. Increase Energy
The magnesium in kabocha can help turn food into energy. By eating pumpkin regularly, it can help increase daily energy.
So, those are some of the health benefits of kabocha. If you want to get the benefits, then add pumpkin to your daily menu, OK!