Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pumpkin has been traditionally used in various cultures as a food to support general health during the cold and flu season, though its use is not as prominent as more classic remedies like chicken soup or herbal teas. The tradition stems primarily from pumpkin’s rich content of vitamins, particularly vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin C, and other antioxidants, which are believed to support the immune system. In some folk medicine traditions, nutrient-dense foods like pumpkin are recommended to bolster the body’s defenses against infections, including colds.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting pumpkin as a specific preventive or therapeutic agent for colds is limited. While nutrients found in pumpkin—such as vitamin C and beta-carotene—are known to play roles in immune function, studies have not specifically demonstrated that consuming pumpkin reduces the incidence, duration, or severity of the common cold. The evidence for using pumpkin against colds is therefore primarily traditional, based on its general nutritional profile rather than on targeted clinical studies. Thus, while eating pumpkin can contribute to overall health and potentially support the immune system, it should not be considered a proven or primary approach for cold prevention or treatment.

More about pumpkin
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Other health conditions supported by pumpkin

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