How does the consumption of pumpkin impact the immune system?
Best insight from top research papers
Consumption of pumpkin has been found to impact the immune system positively. Pumpkin is rich in functional and nutraceutical constituents such as vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium, essential oils, peptides, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, which can help boost adaptive immunity . These bioactive compounds present in pumpkin have been shown to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant potential, which are directly or indirectly related to the COVID-19 outbreak . Pumpkin fractions, including the peel, flesh, and seeds, contain active ingredients that act as effective antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, making them beneficial for immune-related diseases . Additionally, pumpkin is a good source of linoleic acid, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E, which serve as biological antioxidants and protect against chronic diseases . Supplementation with pumpkin seed powder has also been shown to improve immune system function in immunocompromised laboratory rats . Therefore, incorporating pumpkin into the diet can have a positive impact on the immune system.
Answers from top 4 papers
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| Papers (4) | Insight |
|---|---|
| The consumption of pumpkin seed powder in cookies improved the immune system in immunocompromised rats, leading to weight gain and improved blood parameters and immunoglobulin levels. | |
| The paper mentions that the vitamin C in pumpkin flesh can strengthen the immune system. | |
14 Citations | The paper mentions that pumpkin fractions, including the peel, flesh, and seeds, contain active ingredients that act as effective antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. These bioactives may have positive impacts on the immune system. |
| The consumption of pumpkin can boost the immune system due to its functional and nutraceutical constituents such as vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium, essential oils, peptides, carotenoids, and polysaccharides. |
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