Pumpkin is great; it is filled with the wonderful antioxidant beta-carotene. Research studies have found that eating a diet rich in foods containing beta-car
otene may protect against heart disease and cancers like breast and ovarian. Pumpkin also contains fiber, more potassium than a banana, protein, vitamin C, and numerous minerals – all while being fairly low in carbohydrates (about 12 grams per cup). The vitamin A in pumpkin is also linked to eye health and aids vision. To get these benefits of pumpkin we need to consider how we are eating it.
This time of year there are foods and even drinks everywhere that are called pumpkin, but it is important to check food labels to ensure they even contain pumpkin and not just pumpkin flavoring. Remember when you check the ingredient list of purchased foods that the closer ingredients are to first ingredient, the higher the content. While pumpkin lattes, candy, cake, or donuts may taste wonderful; they may just be good for your palate and not your health. A better choice to get the health benefits of pumpkin would be to try roasted pumpkin, pumpkin soup(PDF), muffins, or pancakes, or even roasted pumpkin seeds. If you are looking for a source of healthier pumpkin recipes follow these links to:
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service(PDF)
How are you going to include pumpkin in your diet in a healthy way?
