Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pumpkin Nutrition

Pumpkins are a great source of nutrition. These orange wonders are full of beta-carotene like all orange fruit and vegetables. It is also a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Pumpkin seeds and the oil pressed from them are full of zinc and unsaturated fatty acids… the ones we need to stay healthy.

Calorie for calorie, pumpkins pack in a lot of nutrition. The fiber in this seasonal food will also temper your appetite so you do not overeat. Fiber is also good for the health of your bowels. Potassium, another important nutrient, is abundant in pumpkins.

We all need iron to help our red blood cells oxygenate our bodies. Pumpkin will give you what you need! In addition, the zinc will help prevent osteoporosis. Did you know it can affect the hips as well as the spine? Zinc is also beneficial to your reproductive system… especially if you are trying for a baby.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are important compounds found in pumpkin that help neutralize the free radicals that can damage the lenses in your eyes. This can help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts as you get older. Isn’t it amazing that this simple vegetable can protect your eyes, your bones, and your reproductive system? It is also good for your skin. How many vegetables can do all this and still taste great in both sweet and savory dishes?

There are many ways to add more pumpkin to your menu. You could learn how to make pumpkin soup. Soup is a great way to enjoy the flavor of pumpkin and get the most out of its nutrients. You can make a rich soup for special occasions, or you can make a low calorie soup if you are watching your weight. This simple, rustic food can easily be elevated to the status of fine dining.

By adding pumpkin to your diet, you not only add all these fabulous nutrients that your body needs to stay well and thrive, you are making the choice to add a good food to your diet that is mostly overlooked in this country. Instead of regulating pumpkins to the celebration of Halloween and the occasional pie during the holidays, pumpkin should be allowed to take its place in the culinary world and shine.

The versatile pumpkin needs to be celebrated. It is one of the few foods that are equally good in both sweet or savory dishes. Add pumpkin to your menu several times a month using various recipes. Try it as a bread, as a soup or as a roasted vegetable. Do not relegate pumpkins to being a novelty-serving dish. Eat some!

Once you have added more pumpkin to your diet, you will wonder what you did without this delicious vegetable. You will notice that you begin to feel and look better because you are providing your body with important nutrients that it needs. Pumpkin provides you with stronger bones, helps maintain your figure and keeps your insides working properly. Not bad for a holiday decoration.

Maple pumpkin soup is incredibly good. Its naturally rich flavor is highlighted by the delicious maple flavor of the syrup. It creates a wonderful combination that is good enough to eat every day. Your family will absolutely love this taste combination.