At this point in the season you must be passing pumpkin stands every five feet on the sidewalk and have just a few weeks left to tolerate (and hopefully enjoy) the pumpkin spice phenomenon before the very word itself induces a gag reflex until next year. So let’s get to the nitty gritty and validate just why we do love pumpkin so much - turns out our little orange friend could very well be the next kale.
1. Pumpkin is high in fiber and has around 49 calories per cup. This means it can help maintain satiety and therefore aid in weight loss.
2. If you’re going to be doing some pumpkin carving this season save those seeds! If you bake those and eat them as a snack you could be helping to lower your LDL, which is the “bad cholesterol” as the seeds contain phytosterols.
3. Our fairytale princess’s carriage also contains beta-carotene, which has been linked to cancer prevention. This fall treat is also rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps in the production of serotonin, a mood regulator that can help aid in reducing stress levels.
With all these great nutritional benefits, incorporating pumpkin into some of your favorite fall recipes should be an easy choice.
How Do I Eat My Pumpkin?
- Bake the pumpkin seeds with a bit of salt, pepper, and light olive oil.
- Use diced and roasted pumpkin chunks and throw these into a cold orzo pasta salad or whole grain salad of some kind.
- Use pureed pumpkin for a pumpkin carrot and ginger fall soup.
- Add pumpkin to a baked quiche for a more interesting filling or to give a green salad some more substance.
For more information and health tips visit http://www.wildernutrition.com to read the rest of Alix’s articles and contact her.
1. Pumpkin is high in fiber and has around 49 calories per cup. This means it can help maintain satiety and therefore aid in weight loss.
2. If you’re going to be doing some pumpkin carving this season save those seeds! If you bake those and eat them as a snack you could be helping to lower your LDL, which is the “bad cholesterol” as the seeds contain phytosterols.
3. Our fairytale princess’s carriage also contains beta-carotene, which has been linked to cancer prevention. This fall treat is also rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps in the production of serotonin, a mood regulator that can help aid in reducing stress levels.
With all these great nutritional benefits, incorporating pumpkin into some of your favorite fall recipes should be an easy choice.
How Do I Eat My Pumpkin?
- Bake the pumpkin seeds with a bit of salt, pepper, and light olive oil.
- Use diced and roasted pumpkin chunks and throw these into a cold orzo pasta salad or whole grain salad of some kind.
- Use pureed pumpkin for a pumpkin carrot and ginger fall soup.
- Add pumpkin to a baked quiche for a more interesting filling or to give a green salad some more substance.
For more information and health tips visit http://www.wildernutrition.com to read the rest of Alix’s articles and contact her.