Health Benefits From Pumpkin

Happy Fall from ClaimLinx! 

It’s the best time of the year! Pumpkin is the unofficial flavor of autumn. Fall wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin pie. Pumpkin is typically called winter squash. 

Pumpkins can be used in cooking, from soups and salads, to preserves and pies. Cooking with pumpkin can help you get the nutrients that you need in your diet. Using canned pumpkin is an easier way to use pumpkin because you can use it year-round.  

Pumpkin contains surprising health benefits: 

1. High in Fiber– Fiber is a key nutrient that supports gut health by regulating it. Improving gut health, fiber supports cardiovascular and metabolic health. According to the USDA, 1 cup of cooked pumpkin flesh packs 7.1 grams of fiber.  
2. Boosts your immune system– Incorporating pumpkin into your diet can help your immune system become more effective at fighting off germs. Pumpkin can be a source of many immune health-supporting nutrients, including vitamin C, zinc, and Selenium.  
3. Pumpkin can improve your vision– Pumpkin is packed with the eye health-supporting vitamin A and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. A single serving of pumpkin can provide over 200% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A.  
4. Healthy Blood Pressure- It’s a natural source of many nutrients that support heart health, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium.  It will also limit how much sodium you have to use on food.  

How to include pumpkin in your diet

1. Pumpkin puree- You can use pumpkin puree in many different ways. It can be used in savory and sweet dishes. Some examples are pumpkin bread, soup, pancakes, and smoothies.  
2. Roasted pumpkin- Roasted pumpkin can be a great way to get nutrients into your diet. Cut the pumpkin into slices, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle some salt, and roast it in the oven. 
3. Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals.  You can put the seeds on salads, granola, or you can roast them in the oven.  
4. Pumpkin Smoothie: To get more vitamins and nutrients in your diet, you can add some canned pumpkin into your smoothies.  

Just remember when we’re talking about the benefits of the pumpkin, we’re talking about the seeds and pure pumpkin. Those sugary treats flavored with pumpkin won’t pack the same healthy wallop. But we won’t tell, if it’s just a taste … 

Image by Sabrina Ripke from Pixabay