Peanut Pumpkin is a creeping annual plant native to the United States. The official name is Butternut Squash, and in Korea, it is commonly called peanut pumpkin because it has a shape reminiscent of peanuts. Peanut pumpkin, with its soft and sweet taste and characteristic aroma similar to nuts and butter, is used in soups, porridge, stews, juices, puddings, and pancakes.
Peanut pumpkin is rich in components such as beta-cryptoxanthin and carotenoids, which can be said to be the main key ingredients. Now, let’s take a closer look at the main benefits of peanut pumpkin.
Main Benefits of Peanut Pumpkin
1. Cancer Prevention
Peanut pumpkin is rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, a type of xanthophylls. This beta-cryptoxanthin component shows excellent benefits as a powerful anticancer substance, and it is said that it plays a role in protecting cells from the spread of cancer. These effects are said to have anti-cancer effects and reduce the risk of cancer. In fact, according to the data released by the US Department of Agriculture, peanut pumpkin contains about 15.583 mg of beta-cryptoxanthin per 100 g, which is much higher than that of old pumpkin (14.497 mg) and sweet pumpkin (14.537 mg). do.
Peanut pumpkin is also rich in carotenoids. This carotenoid component is also known to help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and remove toxins and harmful substances that cause cancer. It is reported that these carotenoids also contain a greater amount in peanut pumpkin than in aged pumpkin and sweet pumpkin.
2. Antioxidant action
Excessive free radicals can be said to be the main culprit that weakens the immune system by attacking and damaging normal cells. It is said that the powerful antioxidant action of beta-cryptoxanthin, which is abundantly contained in peanut pumpkin, helps neutralize excessively generated free radicals, thereby obtaining a good effect in strengthening the body’s immunity. In addition, this excellent antioxidant action has a beneficial effect in slowing down the aging process of the skin, and it is said that it is also effective in improving the wrinkles of the skin.
3. Bronchial health
The beta-cryptoxanthin component introduced earlier is known to help improve the overall health of the bronchial tubes as it can protect the bronchial mucosa and reduce inflammation levels in the bronchial tubes. In addition, this beta-cryptoxanthin component is said to have a beneficial effect in protecting the lungs from risk factors such as strengthening of lung function and fine dust that deteriorates lung health.
4. Vascular health
The aforementioned free radicals are a major risk factor for worsening vascular health as well as problems such as lowering immunity and promoting aging. It is known that the beta-cryptoxanthin component in peanut pumpkin prevents the oxidation of waste products in blood vessels from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, thereby inhibiting blood flow and helping to promote overall health of blood vessels. In addition, the carotenoids contained in peanut pumpkin are converted to vitamin A during the process of absorption into the body. .
Other benefits and how to eat
Peanut pumpkin is not only low in calories, about 45Kcal per 100g, but also has a high percentage of dietary fiber, so it can help you lose weight by maintaining a feeling of fullness for as long as possible. In addition, this rich dietary fiber is also known to promote intestinal peristalsis, which is beneficial in preventing constipation and improving symptoms. In addition, vitamin A, which is converted from carotenoids, helps to synthesize rhodopsin, a visual receptor present in the retinal rod cells of the eye, so it is said to be beneficial in preventing the deterioration of vision and protecting the eyesight. In addition, beta-cryptoxanthin promotes digestive function and improves gastric function.
Peanut pumpkin can be eaten raw, and it is said that it is a good way to eat it by grinding it with rice porridge or glutinous rice porridge. When you grind it with rice porridge, you can add it with honey or milk according to your preference. In addition, if you consume it with peanut pumpkin pancake fried in oil, it has the advantage of being able to consume key nutrients such as beta-cryptoxanthin more effectively.
