This week, we are back to s topic that won’t scare you. It’s everyone’s favorite season, and has been for weeks, PUMPKIN!  Let’s review the amazing health benefits to pumpkins.

Per the Cleveland Clinic, this squash is a superfood, which are natural foods that are very nutrient dense and low in calories.  So those who hate on pumpkin season, you may want to reprogram your brain cause this squash is GREAT for you.

If you want more understanding of the Great Squash, here are some benefits to pumpkins.  They are rich in vitamin A, so that means great for your vision and your immune system.  It can protect you from things like macular degeneration and cataracts.

And of course, there is always heart health. Not only is it super high in potassium, but it also contains vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants which helps build for a strong heart. With the vitamin C in pumpkin, that means of course helps boost our immune system, it also includes vitamin A, E, and iron. 

Then there is, its good for you, if you are watching your weight.  Why?  Because it is low in calories and it contains a lot of fiber, so it keeps you and makes you feel fuller longer.

What else does this squash do for your health?  How about it contains carotenoids that help fight against certain cancers, these are the same types of carotenoids that are found in carrots and tomatoes.

Finally, what about all those yummy seeds?  They are just as healthy as the pumpkin themselves.  They are a good travel snack, that is high in protein. Additional they help reduce the risk of cancer, improve bowel, and prostate health AND lowers the risk of heart disease.

So now what?  What can you do to add more pumpkin in your diet?

• Well, of course save the seeds and use them as a snack.
• Make pumpkin soup.
• Roast some pumpkin to have with your dinner.
• Use pumpkin as a substitute for fat or oil in things like muffins and pancakes.
• Add some pumpkin to your yogurt.
• Blend it up and make it into a smoothie.

Overall, pumpkin is amazing and we should find more ways to include it in our diet other than this one time a year.