Pumpkins are chock full of nutrients that are often wasted as a decoration. Actual pumpkin of course, not the pumpkin spice we are seeing everywhere. Pumpkins are plentiful in Vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, and they are a really good source of fiber. Each cup of pumpkin yields three grams of fiber and less than 50 calories. With this high fiber content and low caloric density, pumpkins can help keep you fuller longer and therefore aid in weight loss. The seeds of pumpkins contain phytosterols (just like many other nuts and seeds), which can lower your cholesterol, making them a heart healthy snack! Pumpkins are full of antioxidants such as beta carotene and vitamin c, thanks to its rich orange color. Research shows that antioxidants help to fight free radicals preventing cancer and other diseases while boosting the immune system. Pumpkin seeds also contain tryptophan, which many know as the ingredient in turkey that causes drowsiness after a thanksgiving meal. While this part is most likely not true, what we do know is that tryptophan increases serotonin production, the happy hormone! So yes, eating pumpkin seeds may actually put you in a better mood. Pumpkins are also full of electrolytes such as potassium, which is essential for hydration and muscle contractions.
Now that I've told you about all the fantastic health benefits of eating pumpkin, here are a few ways you can have it this fall!
There are many different ways to enjoy pumpkin this season, and no I'm not talking about your PSL from Starbucks. When baking with pumpkin puree you can buy the kind that is already canned, or create your own puree at home! To make homemade puree simply look for a small sugar pumpkin (not the huge jack o' lanterns) and cut it in half and remove the strings. You can then turn the insides into a puree through any method of your choice including microwaving, baking, and boiling. Once your puree is cooked you can use it in any pumpkin recipe that you would typically use canned pumpkin! Pumpkin puree is great in pies, breads, and muffins. Check out some of these yummy recipes!
http://dish.allrecipes.com/baking-with-pumpkin/
http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g619/our-...
Don't throw out the seeds when you remove them! Pumpkin seeds are great for snacking on, and can be easily roasted in your own oven! After removing the pumpkin pulp for cooking, or even after carving out your pumpkin for a decoration, save the seeds to make a nice snack! Pumpkin seeds are full of fiber and can be prepared with many different seasonings.
Directions
Preheat oven to 300F.
Clean off most of the pulp and strings.
Toss seeds in a bowl with butter or oil, and your own mix of seasonings.
Spread a thin layer of seeds on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Seeds will be a nice golden brown when they are done roasting.
Enjoy!
