Benefits of pumpkin for children

The arrival of autumn brings, among other vegetables, squash in its different varieties, including pumpkin. It is a vegetable that is introduced into the complementary feeding of the baby from the beginning due to its nutritional properties. In Guiainfantil.com we tell you what are the advantages of

The best known pumpkins are the typical Haloween or maximum cucurbit, large, rounded and orange, and the butternut, a large and elongated pumpkin shaped like a pear, and a color pale orange on the outside and intense on the inside.

The flesh of the pumpkin can be cooked in different ways

, roasted, steamed or cooked, although it can also be grilled. Trying to conserve all your micronutrients, it is better to avoid cooking it, unless you also use the cooking water, since many vitamins and minerals are lost in this broth. But what are its properties?- Another benefit of the pumpkin for children is that it is a vegetable rich in water, practically 90% of its composition.

- It is also rich in beta carotene, antioxidants and fiber. Además - In addition, calabaza pumpkin is rich in vitamin C, thiamin or vitamin B1 and potassium

, although their amounts of iron and zinc and vitamin E are also interesting.

- As for macronutrients, almost no protein or fat, but if it contains complex carbohydrates. Some pumpkins can, if not opened, last months in perfect condition, so they are very useful as reserve vegetables in our pantry. - The carotenoids of pumpkins, responsible for their orange color,are beneficial for the skin,

since they increase the protection against ultraviolet rays, although they are also characterized by having an immune system enhancing effect and favoring health visual, protecting the ocular mucous membranes.

- When transformed into vitamin A in the body, favor protection against viral and bacterial infections , since it ensures the good condition of the mucosa in the tissues, which acts as a barrier against germs. Some studies even suggest that their deficiency during childhood can lead to respiratory, gastrointestinal and visual problems, which can even cause blindness.

- Pumpkin also contains cryptoxanthin, another carotenoid whose anti-inflammatory effectsare tremendously useful in childhood, since it could improve the evolution of inflammatory processes, such as throat irritation.

- Pumpkin seeds are another of the many benefits of this vegetable, since contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids important for the brain and memory, and minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium. The lack of iron produces anemia and fatigue, while zinc is part of enzymes necessary for the synthesis of RNA and DNA and is involved in the proper functioning of the immune system. In addition, their needs are higher in periods of rapid growth. Magnesium works with calcium to maintain healthy bones and potassium helps sodium maintain a good level of cellular hydration, regulating the electrolytes on both sides of its membrane.