Pumpkin is a vegetable that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. Research on the medicinal properties of pumpkin includes:
- Antioxidant properties: Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants such as carotenoids, which protect the body against free radical damage. (Nemmar, A., Al-Dhabi, N. A., Ali, B. H., & Yasin, J. (2013). Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of pumpkin seed oil. Nutrition, 29(10), 1261-1265.)
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Pumpkin has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help in reducing inflammation in the body. (Li, Y., Gao, H., & Xu, J. (2011). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) seed oil. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 59(5), 1436-1441.)
- Cardiovascular health: Pumpkin has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties, which may help in improving cardiovascular health. (Zhang, J., Du, L., & Li, Y. (2015). Pumpkin seed oil improves the lipid profile and reduces oxidative stress in hypercholesterolemic rats. Lipids in health and disease, 14, 45.)
- Prostate health: Pumpkin seeds have been found to have benefits for prostate health, such as reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (Wilt, T. J., Ishani, A., Stark, G., MacDonald, R., Lau, J., Mulrow, C. D., ... & Bent, S. (1998). Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. Jama, 280(18), 1604-1609.)
- Weight Management: Pumpkin seeds have been found to be helpful in maintaining healthy weight and reducing appetite. (Petyaev, I. M., & Kostyuk, V. A. (2013).