Why You Should Eat More Pumpkin

The word “pumpkin” has become synonymous with pumpkin spice lattes and fall decor. However, it’s easy to forget that it’s also a delicious food and a great addition to fall and winter recipes! Surprisingly, there are quite a few health benefits to eating pumpkin as well. Here are a few that should convince you to find a local pumpkin patch right away. 

Pumpkin is high in vitamin A. 

Just one cup of this autumn squash contains more than 200% of the daily intake of vitamin A, which benefits your vision and overall eye health. Move over, carrots- there is another orange food ready to take your place! 

Vitamin C is another key nutrient in pumpkin. 

Vitamin C is known for strengthening the immune system and boosting collagen production (hello, good skin!). One cup of pumpkin has about 19% of the suggested daily intake for vitamin C. 

It’s filling. 

Pumpkin is high in fiber, with one cup holding about 7 grams. Fiber aids in healthy digestion, lowers cholesterol, and keeps you fuller for longer. Why not get that fiber intake with some delicious pumpkin? 

It helps your muscles. 

A mineral that we may not get enough of daily is magnesium, which helps create energy and relax the muscles. Eating pumpkin after an intense workout may help with muscle recovery, so try a pumpkin protein shake after your next round at the gym! Pumpkin seeds have about 37% of the daily magnesium requirement, so keep them while you’re carving for Halloween and roast them for an easy, filling snack. 

Pumpkin is rich in potassium. 

Potassium helps muscle contraction, digestion, and healthy blood pressure. In fact, a cup of canned pumpkin can give you more potassium than a banana. 

The vitamin and antioxidant properties of pumpkin make it a healthy addition to your diet and the low calorie content makes it weight loss-friendly. The versatility of pumpkin makes it easy to incorporate into meals and snacks. You can easily manipulate it to be sweet or savory, whichever you need. It puts a twist on the old saying- have your pumpkin and eat it, too!