Are Pumpkins a HIDDEN Superfood? (Surprising)

The world becomes obsessed with pumpkin this time of year.

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cheesecake.

You name it, there’s a way to pumpkin-ize it.

Whether you love pumpkin spice or hate it, there’s one thing you can’t deny about pumpkins themselves…

They’re a nutrient-dense superfood with IMPRESSIVE health benefits.

Well, when you eat them the RIGHT way, that is…

As crazed as folks are with the FLAVOR of pumpkin, not nearly enough of them eat it as nature intended… without all the extra sugar and cream.

And that’s a shame. Because roasted pumpkin is delicious AND nutritious.

Pumpkin’s rich orange color is a dead giveaway for its beta-carotene content, which your body converts to vitamin A.

Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and skin. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory. And it’s vital for a robust immune system.

Plus, that same beta carotene (along with other carotenoids) is linked to a reduced risk of pancreatic, stomach, and breast cancers.

Pumpkin’s vitamin C content is vital for building blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen (for healthier skin, muscles, bone, and connective tissues).

Then there’s the high fiber content of these popular gourds. It means when you munch on pumpkin, you feel fuller longer while reaping plenty of blood-sugar benefits.

Pumpkins also contain a healthy amount of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.

And don’t toss out those seeds! Pumpkin seeds are packed with zinc and vitamin E, which boost your immune system.

In fact, the only BAD thing about pumpkins is how we usually choose to eat them.

Because the BEST way to claim these health benefits ISN’T through sugar-laden pumpkin spice lattes or whipped-cream-topped pumpkin pies.

Instead, eat them roasted—tossed in a salad or as a side dish—use the puree in smoothies, soups, sauces, and overnight oats for even MORE pumpkin benefits.

Sprinkle in some cinnamon, and you’ll get all the flavor and health benefits of pumpkin without the need for added sugar.

P.S. Nothing pairs better with pumpkin than delicious cinnamon. And this tasty spice packs some significant health benefits of its own. CLICK HERE for the scoop.

SOURCE:

Batool M, Ranjha MMAN, et al., “Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential, and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.).” Plants (Basel). 2022 May 24;11(11):1394. doi: 10.3390 /plants11111394. PMID: 35684166; PMCID: PMC9182978.