What is White Pumpkin?
The vegetable pumpkin is a gourd-like squash that belongs to the genus Cucurbita and the family cucurbitae. Pumpkins are generally popular for pumpkin pie that is traditionally a part of thanksgiving meals in the United States. Pumpkins are available in different varieties and colors ranging from yellow, bright orange, brown, grey and white. White pumpkin is quite common in England where it is primarily used for carving and decoration purposes. Due to its white skin, it is considered great for carving as well as painting. Pumpkins form an important part of decorations for Halloween where a face is carved on it and the pumpkin is hollowed out to light candles inside. Apart from being used as decorative pieces, white pumpkin can easily replace the orange pumpkin in many recipes including pumpkin pies and soups. White pumpkin is available in several varieties such as lumina, baby boo, cotton candy, casper, albino pumpkin, ghost pumpkin etc. The lumina variety has an amazing taste and texture and can be used for baking. White pumpkin can also be hollowed out to be used as a serving tureen.
Health Benefits of White Pumpkin
Besides making the decorations attractive, white pumpkin can form part of many dishes as it is highly nutritious with several health benefits. It is low in calories and high in vitamins A, B6, C and E. Moreover, it contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, folate, niacin and thiamine as well as carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Its health benefits are as follows.
1. Lowers Cholesterol:
White pumpkin contains high amounts of phytosterols. These compounds can replace and normalize cholesterol to a healthy level, thus providing protection against certain cancers (1).
2. Anti-depressant:
Deficiency of tryptophan is responsible for causing depression. White pumpkin is rich in L-tryptophan, an essential amino-acid which cannot be manufactured by the body (2), (3). This chemical compound is instrumental in alleviating a depressed mood, providing a feeling of happiness and well-being.
3. Beneficial for Eye Health:
White pumpkins have abundant amounts of Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are vital for protecting the eyes against free radical damage and preventing the formation of cataracts, macular degeneration and astigmatism (4), (5). Consuming this pumpkin on a regular basis helps in promoting the eye health as it is rich in vitamin A.
4. Anti-inflammatory:
The green seeds of pumpkin have anti-inflammatory properties and thus are effective against arthritis and joint inflammation (6). Herbal decoction made from pumpkin pulp can be used in treating intestinal inflammation.
5. Beneficial in Asthma:
The antioxidants in white pumpkin protect the respiratory system against infections and free radical attacks. Hence, they reduce and heal asthma attacks (7).
6. Treatment of Peptic Ulcers:
The medicinal properties contained in white pumpkin help in soothing the gastrointestinal tract and healing digestive conditions and peptic ulcers (8). [ Read: Wheatgrass Powder Benefits ]
7. Protection against Prostate Cancer:
Pumpkin and its seeds have a high content of carotenoids and zinc which provide protection against prostate cancer (9). These compounds help in preventing enlargement of the prostate as well as irritable bladder problems. Pumpkin seeds are used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
8. Better Immune System:
The rich variety of nutrients in white pumpkin and white pumpkin juice work wonders in boosting the immune system by increasing the production and performance of white blood cells. Hence, they provide resistance against various kinds of infections.
Skin Benefits of White Pumpkin
White pumpkin has a high content of anti-oxidants in the form of vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc which are great for your skin. Some of the skin benefits of white pumpkin are as follows.
9. Prevents Damage to the Skin:
White pumpkin is a great option if your skin is damaged from environmental conditions such as overexposure to the sun. Vitamin A soothes and softens your skin and vitamin C being an antioxidant can help to remedy damage caused by free radicals. Pumpkin facial masks, moisturizers and peels greatly nourish your skin by promoting the absorption of nutrients.
10. Anti-aging Benefits:
White pumpkins are rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as zinc which together give you a healthy and glowing skin and boost collagen production to prevent signs of ageing (10), (11). Having a cup of pumpkin seeds daily hydrates and nourishes your skin, thus protecting against the appearance of wrinkles. It also contains fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which enhance cell turnover to brighten and smooth your skin.
11. Anti-acne:
White pumpkin contains acne fighting vitamins E and T, more commonly known as torulitine. Thus, it is used in several anti-acne products which provide relief from acne, blemishes or frequent breakouts. Rubbing the fleshy side of fresh pumpkin on your face twice a day acts as a natural blemish-fighting toner. [ Read: Moringa Powder Benefits ]
12. Beneficial for Oily & Dry Skin:
Pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which are vital for maintaining good barrier function of the skin as well as regulating sebum. White pumpkin is used as an active ingredient in skin toners, peels and anti-acne masks for reducing pore size, controlling excess oil and preventing the appearance of blackheads and pimples. White pumpkin contains natural enzymes that help in dissolving dry skin cells. Being rich in enzymes, it is used in skincare products for soothing and softening dry, cracked hands and feet. You can combine two tablespoons of pumpkin puree with two tablespoons of Vaseline for your dry heel treatment. Apply it on your feet at night and put cotton socks on for deep moisturizing.
13. Natural Exfoliator:
White pumpkin is often used in exfoliators and moisturizers as it helps in removing old surface skin cells and encourages new cell production. Due to its small molecular structure, it can penetrate deeper into the skin and treat dull complexion, ageing skin and pigmentation.
Hair Benefits of White Pumpkin
In addition to the skin, the nutrients contained in white pumpkin are extremely beneficial for your hair. Some of its benefits for hair are as follows.
14. Promotes Hair Growth:
White pumpkin is rich in vitamin A which is extremely beneficial for your scalp. It also contains potassium which helps in promoting the re-growth of hair and preventing hair loss.
15. Suitable for Dry or Damaged Hair:
Just like dry skin treatment, this pumpkin is extremely beneficial for dry or damaged hair. Thus, it can form a part of your hair care regimen where it can be externally applied on your hair along with other ingredients such as coconut, honey and yoghurt. Hope you liked the article. Please leave us a comment. Is white pumpkin good for weight loss? White pumpkin is loaded with many beneficial nutrients and is low in calories. Including it in your diet may support your weight loss journey. Is white pumpkin good for the liver? Yes, white pumpkin (and its juice) is good for the liver. It is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which will positively affect liver health. Have white pumpkin juice twice or thrice a week to reap the benefits. Will white pumpkins reduce belly fat? White pumpkins are low in calories. Therefore, having them regularly may help with fat loss. You also can replace your sugary beverages with white pumpkin juice to possibly reduce belly fat. Does pumpkin elevate blood sugar? Pumpkin has a high glycemic index. While consuming it in limited quantities can benefit your health, excess intake may elevate blood sugar levels. Is pumpkin good for blood pressure? Yes. Pumpkin contains potassium, a nutrient that helps lower blood pressure (12). Are white pumpkins rare? White pumpkins were once difficult to come by, but now you can find them pretty about any place throughout the fall. Why are white pumpkins more expensive? The season, size, weight, and selling point are just a few variables that affect the price of white pumpkins. However, demand is typically high during festivities like Halloween, when celebrations increase the cost of pumpkins worldwide. How long do white pumpkins last? White pumpkins (whole) may last for 2-3 months if stored and refrigerated properly. Sliced or diced pumpkins may last for 3-5 days. Is white pumpkin good for kidney stones? White pumpkin doesn’t have any effect on kidney stones. However, the nutrients in white pumpkin are beneficial for your overall health.
