Pumpkin pie is the iconic holiday pie, but it’s more than just a sweet treat. This winter squash can be prepped and used in so many different ways making it the ultimate superfood. Whether it’s consumed or used as a beauty mask, it supplies your body with nutrients benefitting your hair, skin, and health and keeping your body and belly nourished from the inside out. From health facts to recipes, we wanted to give you everything you need to know about pumpkin.
Hair benefits
There are very few foods for hair growth and pumpkin is one of them. If there’s a way to eat your way to beautiful hair, count us in! It contains tons of nutrients like Vitamin B6, Folate, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Copper, all the best nutrients that support your hair health. This superfood not only promotes hair growth but prevents hair loss as well. Simply roast it with garlic or turn it into a pasta sauce for a nutritious meal. If you’re a pasta lover, you’ll love this delicious healthy pumpkin alfredo recipe.
Hair fact: One cup of cooked pumpkin has more than 200% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin A. and about 20% RDA of vitamin C, along with niacin, zinc, iron. So basically, many of the vitamins important for your hair.
Pumpkin seed oil is also great for your hair. It contains cucurbitacin, an amino responsible for hair growth, providing anti-oxidants and preventing free radical damage. you get the best of the nutrients when used as a scalp mask – simply massage it into your scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse. An easy and effective mask that leaves your hair shiny and nourished from the root. Whether you decide to consume pumpkin seed oil or use it as a hair mask, you are filling your body with hair-boosting vitamins.
Skin benefits
This versatile vegetable contains also nutrients for your skin. Its abilities to treat all skin types and conditions truly make it the ultimate superfood. It’s loaded with vitamin C and A, the powerful duo that has anti-aging capabilities. They work together to boosts collagen, soften skin, and protect your skin from the sun which helps prevent dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Pumpkin is also a natural way to treat acne. It contains Vitamin B's such as niacin and folate which increases circulation improving cell turnover and renewal keeping your skin fresh.
If you’re into DIY face masks, consider trying one with pumpkin next time. It a natural and effective remedy to help nourish your skin. Here are two DIY facemasks to try at home:
For Oily Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
Wash your face so it’s nice and fresh. Mix the pumpkin puree with the apple cider vinegar. Apply this on a damp face and leave until it dries, but no longer than 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and then rinse with cold water (to close your pores).
For Dry Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of cooked or canned pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon of honey
- ¼ teaspoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon heavy whipping cream.
Simply combine all ingredients and mix. Apply this evenly on your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and apply moisturizer meant for your skin type.
Other Health Benefits
Pumpkin is all-around amazing for your health. It’s high in vitamin C, which helps you recover from colds faster. It’s high in fiber known to help protect you from heart disease. And it’s best known for its sources of beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts into vitamin A. Any food high in beta carotene is very beneficial as it helps fight various types of cancers and protect against asthma. So if there's any vegetable you should add into your diet, it's pumpkin!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279610.php#benefits
https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50385/pumpkin-alfredo-recipe/
https://www.capillus.com/blog/pumpkin-and-pumpkin-seeds-good-for-your-hair-part-1
https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2601/2