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Pumpkin refers to certain cultivars of squash, most commonly those of Cucurbita pepo, that are round, with smooth, slightly ribbed skin and deep yellow to orange coloration.
The bright orange colour of pumpkin indicates that its content is rich in beta carotene. This beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene is essential for eye health and for prevention of coronary heart disease. This antioxidant is linked to prevention of various types of cancers. Although pumpkin does not contain fiber, it is recognized for its composition of Vitamin A and C and for its fat free content.
Pumpkin is recognized for its composition of another one carotenoid which is called beta cryptoxanthin. This has healthy implications as it decreases the risk of lung cancer for smokers. Moreover, pumpkin is a rich source of minerals such as copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.
One another important health benefit of pumpkin is that it contains Zea-xanthin. It is a natural antioxidant which has UV rays filtering actions in the macular lutea in the retina of eyes. Thus age related macular degeneration is prevented in the elderly. Pumpkins therefore, constitute an essential component in the human nutrition.
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