With fall, comes pumpkins. It’s inevitable. It’s the way life works. Those round orange gourds just scream “autumn!” Check out why pumpkins are the best part of fall!
But pumpkins do so much more than just style our mantels, provide a family-friendly fall outing, or make our front stoops spooky; they’re actually one of the most nutritious and tasty autumnal produce out there. Here are 12 reasons why pumpkins squash all other squashes and why you should run to the store and by 13 cans of pumpkin immediately!
Their flesh is super nutritious
Pumpkins are known for providing a mega-dose of Vitamin A and beta-carotene (like carrots! Another bright orange veggie!), which help keep our immune system strong, our skin and teeth healthy and our eyesight good. But pumpkins do more than just help us actually see carved pumpkins on Halloween night: they’re also a fabulous source of potassium, which is helpful in balancing our electrolytes after a heavy workout, keeping us hydrated, helping our muscles function their best, lowering blood pressure and supporting healthy digestion!
Their seeds could make us happier (And not just because they’re delicious roasted.)
Pumpkin seeds, the low-fat and protein-rich center of the pumpkin, are loaded with tryptophan. Tryptophan, an amino acid, gets converted to serotonin, aka the “happy hormone,” which can actually help ease depression. Tryptophan also helps us sleep quicker, deeper, and longer–once it gets converted into serotonin and then melatonin, also known as the “sleep hormone.” And who isn’t happier when they get more sleep?
They’re a figure-friendly food
What’s amazing is that pumpkin only had 100 calories per a cup! And, considering that pumpkin provides 7 grams of fiber per cup, this means pumpkin will help you feel fuller for a long time, with very few calories. Talk about a win-win. And calling pumpkin low fat is an understatement. Look on the back of your pumpkin puree can label: a serving of pumpkin puree contains zero fat. Low in calories, high in fiber, and no fat? Definitely a better choice than Halloween candy.
They’ve been said to improve athletic performance, by decreasing fatigue
They also make great medicine balls if you’re short on athletic equipment.
Their canned versions aren’t inferior (But much easier) (And cheaper).
You can easily (and affordably) buy canned pumpkin puree (not the “pumpkin pie mix” which is loaded with sugar) at most grocery stores - if they’re not sold out, that is. Unlike a lot of canned vegetable versions of fresh vegetables, eating canned pumpkin isn’t reason to think you’ve squashed all of a pumpkin’s nutritional value. In fact, most canned pumpkins are packed and sold with NO additives or preservatives. They pack nothing but pure pumpkin puree in there. The real, only difference between the canned puree and homemade pureeing is that someone else cooked it, not you. Oh, and all the additional love you'd put in yours.
They give culinary versatility!
Not all plant foods can brag that they can be stellar in both sweet AND savory dishes. But pumpkin can! Add a little maple syrup and cinnamon, and you’ve got a sweet pumpkin smoothie, oatmeal, pie, cookie or bread. Add a little sage and olive oil and you’ve got a savory soup, quinoa side dish or chili.
In fact: I've compiled 13 of my easiest, healthiest, tastiest, gluten-free and vegan, pumpkin into a FREE pumpkin digital cookbook! Come and get it here: http://bit.ly/free-pumpkin-cookbook!
So don't just sit there admiring this super squash; go eat all of it!
