It’s that time of year where we rekindle our love for one of Fall’s best foods: the pumpkin.
In addition to adding that extra oomph to our coffees and desserts and looking superb on our front porch, this super delectable food is also super good for you.
Here are five reasons why this beloved favorite should be enjoyed to the max in the coming months:
Pumpkins are great for (day and night) vision due to their carotenoids, the colorful pigmentation that gives this vegetable its orange color. Our bodies then convert these plant goodies into vitamin A.
I personally will keep this in mind as I recall my completely abysmal contact prescription and indulge in this tasty pumpkin quinoa recipe.
Pumpkin should be a part of your weight loss arsenal.
Did you know that one serving of this tasty vegetable contains 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein, and just 49 calories? It not only increases satiety, but it pleases the taste buds, and both are essential to slimming down effectively without feeling deprived.
Break away from the kale and add a little pumpkin to your seasonal smoothie.
Canned pumpkin may do the trick for most recipes, but the real nutritional magic lies in pumpkin seeds.
They contain protein, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, and thanks to its antioxidant beta-carotene, may even help prevent cancer.
Get this into your life now with pumpkin seed hummus.
Take your relaxation vitamin.
Pumpkins contain the amino acid tryptophan which is essential to the production of serotonin – the neurotransmitter that helps us have a sense of relaxation and well-being. Because we do not produce this amino acid on our own, it’s important to acquire it through our diet.
Bliss out now with pumpkin frozen yogurt.
Do wonders for your skin.
The same antioxidants and carotenoids that give pumpkins their rich hue are also excellent for your skin because they fight the good fight against free radicals. Lucky us!
Who needs tons of beauty products when you can just eat pumpkin muffins?
Which of these do you want to try first? Show us how these pumpkin goodies turn out for you by posting pictures of your cooking and baking using the hashtag #TGWKblog on Twitter or Instagram! Or, if you have other ways you love to use pumpkin that aren’t on this list, we’d love to know.
Happy eating!
Catherine
Top image by Pete Markham via Flickr
