Is Pumpkin Good for Diabetics? – 13 Top Benefits of Pumpkins

Is Pumpkin Good For Diabetics? Since pumpkins have a low glycemic index load of only 3, this is good because it does not raise your blood glucose! That’s the key with type 2 diabetes. So while the glycemic index level of 75 may be high, it’s the glycemic index load of 3 that matters because it takes into consideration the amount of carbs which is under 10. This means that you can have pumpkin without being concerned about it raising your blood glucose level.

Why is Pumpkin so Healthy?

Pumpkins Stacked
Pumpkins Stacked

Another thing to look at when you’re a diabetic is calories. The reason is that the less calories you consume, the less weight you will gain and weight gain is a huge part of diabetes. Pumpkin has a mere 30 calories in only a one cup serving.

One of the main reasons that pumpkins can have a positive affect on diabetes is because of its’ high content of magnesium. Studies performed of over 100,000 people revealed that those who had diets were rich in magnesium had almost a 35% decrease in risk for diabetes in both men and women.

Another reason that is extremely important in pumpkins being able to lower blood sugar is that it provides a tremendous amount of vitamin C. This vitamin is huge in helping your body in the stimulation of insulin. Pumpkins also contain numerous nutrients that aid in controlling your blood sugars.

Pumpkins are not just for Halloween. They look great for decorations, but let’s put them to even better use for helping to keep our blood sugars lower and helping our bodies to get healthier. There’s many ways you can add pumpkin and their seeds to your diet and your meals. I love adding them to my salad along with flaxseeds too. Fiber and weight loss really does help type 2 diabetes!

Top 13 Health Benefits of PumpkinsΒ 

Heart Health

1) Heart Health

Why are pumpkin seeds so beneficial for you?Β  It’s because they are healthy for your heart. They contain magnesium, fatty acids, zinc, and are an excellent source of antioxidants. Studies performed revealed that they lower your cholesterol levels and help to bring down your blood pressure. You should check your blood pressure frequently, especially if it’s high.

The study further showed thatΒ  pumpkin seed oil supplement was able to decrease cholesterol levels that were high. Pumpkins are able to raise your levels of nitric oxide which helps to improve your blood flow, open up your blood vessels, and help to lessen the chances of the growth of plaque in your arteries. These are all beneficial for the a healthy heart.

2) Fiber

When your diet is high in fiber, it aids in the promotion of your digestive system working more efficiently and having a high fiber diet is much more beneficial for your heart. It also helps you with obesity and losing weight and of course treating type 2 diabetes. Pumpkin seeds that are shelled provide over 1 gram of fiber for each 1 ounce serving.

3) Your Vision

Pumpkins are high in beta-carotene which your body converts into vitamin A. And that’s what you want for healthy eyes and good vision. Your vision is the most important thing and you should do anything and everything to protect your eyes and have excellent vision. You really only need about one cup and that will provide you with twice your daily required intake.

It will lessen your risk of any degenerative eye diseases and provide your best chances for the best vision possible. Pumpkin also consists of Zeaxanthin and lutein which are the two best compounds that can protect you against blindness. This becomes even more important as you age.

4) Immune System

Anything that helps boost your immune system, count me in! Once you realize how vital your immune system is for keeping you healthy, you’ll want to make sure it’s it working at the best level possible. The stronger your immune system is, the stronger YOU are!

Because pumpkins consist of vitamins such as, A, C, and vitamin E, you can help raise your level of protection with your immune system performing at its’ peak! In particular, vitamin A aids your immune system and fights off infections and all the other nasty things that are out to get you sick. Take advantage of the ingredients of pumpkins to stay as healthy as possible.

5) Quality of Sperm

If you’re going to make one of the biggest decisions of your life by starting a family, then you (as a guy) want your sperm in tip top shape! If trying to conceive is a problem, then low levels of zinc could be the issue. But pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc and this will help boost testosterone levels and aid in fertility. Happy starting a family!

6) Lowers Inflammation

What is the biggest cause of illnesses and disease? Inflammation! If you’re suffering from arthritis, pumpkin can help you with its’ anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the enemy and you must defeat it!

7)Β Protect Against Cancer

There has been extensive research that showed that you can decrease your risk of prostate and colon cancer by having a diet high in beta-carotene which is highly present in pumpkins. In addition there are more properties in pumpkin seeds that are beneficial in fighting other types of cancers as well.

Woman Sleeping

8) Sleep Deeply

If you’re having problems with sleeping lately, then pumpkin seeds may help you. They contain trytophan which is know to aid your body in producing serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that assists you in slowing down and providing you with relaxation which will help provide a better mood for you to sleep soundly.

If you’ve ever suffered from insomnia, you know how frustrating it is to lay there wide awake and not be able to sleep. It’s crucial to get 7-8 quality sleep each and every night. You cannot function the next day without sleep. Let pumpkin seeds help you relax and get the shuteye you require!

9) Better Skin Appearance

The first thing that usually show as we age is our skin.It’s the one organ that we have that is visible to not only ourselves, but obviously everyone else. So it’s vital to our appearance that our skin gets the necessary care to have us look younger. You can make a pumpkin β€œmask” that can help protect you against the UV rays of the sun. It’s the beta-carotene once again that is responsible for exfoliating and soothing your skin.

10) Help in the Weight Loss Department

There are so many ways and so many foods that can help with losing weight. Anytime you consume a food that has fiber, you’re helping to lose weight. Fiber fills you up and you will eat less and lose weight. Pumpkin is over 90% water and that helps you in staying hydrated. But pumpkin is also low in calories. So don’t be worried about eating pumpkin. Just don’t overdo it as with anything else.

11) Helps Your Muscles

Your muscles are vital in the health of your body. Pumpkin can be beneficial for the functioning of your muscles because of the potassium it contains. They also consist of magnesium which relaxes your muscles and amino acids that help build strong muscles.

12) Magnesium

Magnesium is very important for your health. Some of the benefits are decreasing your risk of heart disease, maintaining your blood pressure, helping to form and maintain healthy bones, and aiding in controlling your blood glucose levels.

Most folks are deficient in magnesium and since magnesium is responsible for hundreds of chemical reactions in your body, it’s all the more reason why you should have your magnesium levels checked when you have your labs done. So it would be a smart idea to make sure that pumpkin seeds are a part of your diet because they are about the best source of magnesium on the planet!

Expectant Mother

13) Expectant Mothers

For women who are searching online for everything they should and should not eat when they are pregnant, pumpkin comes up as one you definitely want to eat. Pumpkin and the seeds as well, are rich in vitamin A, protein, other vitamins, and zinc and these are all beneficial for you and your unborn fetus.

Side Effects

Allergies

The possibilities of reactions to pumpkin seeds are low, but they still exist. Some allergies could include:

  • Headaches
  • Breathing obstructed
  • Coughing/irritation of throat
  • Itching
  • Hives
  • Skin reaction

Hypoglycemia

If your blood sugars are already on the low side, you should avoid pumpkin seeds and pumpkin because they lower your blood sugar and this is especially dangerous if you are on medications to lower blood sugar. Consult your doctor first.

Low Blood Pressure

This condition is similar to hypoglycemia in that pumpkin can lower your blood pressure so if you’re on blood pressure medications and you should once again consult your physician because blood pressure that is too low is dangerous as well.

Gaining Weight

Like any other snack or food just don’t go overboard with eating too much. Pumpkin seeds are beneficial in moderate amounts only.

Stomach Ache

You should be fine with pumpkin seeds as long as you don’t eat them like you’re going to the electric chair! LOL Easy does it or you could suffer pain and cramps!

Final Thoughts

Is Pumpkin Good For Diabetics? Pumpkins are beneficial for you if you have type 2 diabetes. Add them to your diet because they are packed with nutrients and vitamins and minerals. Eating healthy foods like pumpkins can help lower your blood sugars!

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Please forward this article to others who may need help byΒ sharing on social media belowΒ and please leave any questions or comments you may haveΒ below. I would love to interact with you. Thank you for reading and I do appreciate it! Have a happy and a healthy one!

 

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Home » Dieting » Is Pumpkin Good for Diabetics? – 13 Top Benefits of Pumpkins

Rob Sciubba

Rob Sciubba - Founder of NaturalWaystoLowerBloodSugar.com

Rob is an blogger who has type 2 diabetes and wants to spread the word treating diabetes. For the past 3 years he has provided valuable information about diabetes and lowering blood sugars and continues to offer additional ways to treat diabetes.

If you’re serious about treating your diabetes and lowering your blood sugars the natural ways, then you will learn from his website.

14 thoughts on “Is Pumpkin Good for Diabetics? – 13 Top Benefits of Pumpkins”

  1. Great info! I had no idea pumpkins had so many benefits! My dad doesn’t have diabetes but his sugars are always right on the edge…I’ll have to share this information with him! And I’ll definitely have to return to reference this article when I’m pregnant with baby #2.

    Reply
    • Hey Kristal πŸ™‚ Who would have thought that pumpkins had more benefits and uses other than at Halloween time? But they do and they can help your diabetes and keep your sugars intact. Pumpkin seeds make great snacks and as add ons for salads. Thank you for sharing πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Hi Rob
    As a member of a family with diabetes problems, I try to live mindfully when it comes to my sugar intake. BUT, I do love the sweet things.
    I had no idea that pumpkin was the good in all these ways. Fortunately I love pumpkin and I am vegetarian. I also love snacking on pumpkin pips!
    Appreciate this article.

    Reply
    • Hi Freddie, We all are mindful of sugar intake when we have diabetes. And it’s like the sweets are calling our names, right? But we can still have fruits with sugars such as pumpkins that will not raise our blood sugar. So enjoy, just don’t overdo it! Thanks for your comments!

      Reply
  3. Rob,

    Thanks for posting all this great information. Several of my closest friends have type 2 diabetes and I’m going to send them a link to your site. I know they’ll be interested in all the ways you have to fight this disease and win.

    Best regards,

    Dave

    Reply
    • Hey Dave, You’re welcome! It’s always good when you can spread good news that will help family and friends. Among so many other things I talk about on my site, pumpkin is something that most people aren’t aware of that is good for diabetics. At the same time it provides many healthy benefits for your body. Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween! Thanks for your insight πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. What a great article on Pumpkins for diabetes. I eat pumpkin and pumpkin seeds all the time and add the seeds to granola for an extra treat each morning. I wasn’t aware of the benefits for diabetics and I will forward this article to mom. She is trying how to live with diabetes and would love this article. Thanks

    Reply
    • Hey Stephen, thanks! I guess we all think pumpkins come out only on Halloween. But taking a deeper look at them, pumpkins are much more than something for Charlie Brown! Pumpkins and their seeds are beneficial for diabetics and people for their general health. You know when a fruit or vegetable has such a vibrant color alone that it’s good for you! Thanks for sharing πŸ™‚

      Reply
  5. Thank you for the information on pumpkin seed. It is very timely because I suspect my blood sugar might be elevated. I will consult with my doctor but your blog is full of good information. Thanks for taking the time to put it all together.

    Vanna Pearl

    Reply
    • Hey Vanna πŸ™‚ You’re welcome! Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are just one of many ways to lower blood sugar the natural way. Foods are much better than medications so stick with the fruits and vegetables and together with exercise you’ll keep your blood glucose levels where they need to be and not in the high range. Thank you for reading πŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. I used to eat pumpkin seeds when I was little. Then I stopped. I didn’t know/had no idea that they were so full of immense nutrients. As a woman over 40, I need to return back to them.

    Thanks so much for this post.

    Reply
    • Hi Lane πŸ™‚ If I remember correctly I too ate pumpkin seeds when I was young. Until now I had no idea how beneficial and valuable they are for type 2 diabetes and many other health issues. My goal here is educate you on how pumpkin and their seeds are good for you. I hope I provided that information to you. Thank you for commenting! πŸ™‚

      Reply
    • Hi Courtney πŸ™‚ Thank you! I think most folks associate pumpkins with Halloween only. But the fact is that they offer many health benefits including fighting diabetes. And yes, all members of the squash family are beneficial for fighting diabetes as well. Thank you for your comments! πŸ™‚

      Reply

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