Tis the season for pumpkin flavored everything. The good news? If you didn’t already use this fact to excuse your pumpkin addiction, eating fall’s signature squash actually has numerous health benefits (Not the concentrated syrups in the lattes though…don’t fool yourself).
VITAMINS
One cup of cooked pumpkin contains more than 200% of your daily recommended dose of Vitamin A, which aids your vision.
One cup of cooked pumpkin contains nearly 20% of your daily recommended Vitamin C dose.
MINERALS
Pumpkins contain more potassium than a banana: 564mg VS 422mg. This helps the body balance electrolytes, this can be beneficial after a workout.
A quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which is heart-healthy, energy boosting, and aids in tooth formation and proper bowel function.
A rich source of zinc, pumpkin aids in your overall immunity, eye & skin health, cell growth and division, insulin regulation, and men’s prostate health.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
With 3 grams of fiber per one cup, pumpkin pumpkin is a tasty way to keep your gut in check and fill you up!
LOW IN CALORIES
Pumpkin boasts a low 49 calories per cup…hardly something to feel guilty about. #EatUp!
ANTIOXIDANT
Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, which is thought to play a role in cancer prevention.
MOOD BOOSTER
Pumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which aside for being known as sleep-inducing, is also important in the production of serotonin.
NOTE: Don’t forget, you aren’t getting these benefits from gas station or Starbucks lattes that get their pumpkin flavor from concentrated syrups. We’re referring to actual pumpkin, including canned, which you can add to soups, chili, muffins, pancakes, smoothies, oatmeal, hummus, etc. And don’t forget to save the seeds from your pumpkin carvings and roast those!
