Tis the season! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin candles, PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!!!

It smells amazing, makes you feel warm and cozy and it just celebrates fall. But did you know that pumpkin puree actually has some health benefits!? Now, I’m talking about plain pumpkin…not sweetened pumpkin, not pumpkin flavored cookies or breads…just the pumpkin puree, from the vegetable 😉

Fiber this is a hard one for most Americans to consume the recommended daily amount (at least 25g per day). But pumpkin puree contains about 7g per cup! Fiber can aid in weight loss since it leads to a feeling of fullness, while not adding extra calories. It also helps promote regularity and promote digestive health.

Iron this mineral helps with immunity and can be a good supplement if you suffer from anemia (which a lot of women engaged in athletic training do). Women should aim to consume 18mg per day, and pumpkin contains 3g per cup.

Vitamin A one cup of pumpkin puree contains 1900mcg of vitamin A, and the recommended daily intake is 700-800mcg so this is a GREAT source, vitamin A helps with immunity, healthy skin, healthy teeth and bones.

Pumpkin Seeds they contain fats that can help to lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels. They also contain tryptophan which causes an increase in serotonin levels which can help to boost your mood.

Carotenoids in pumpkin help to ward of cancer and can help to prevent wrinkles caused by free radicals

Potassium one cup of pumpkin has 564 milligrams of potassium, a banana has 422g. Potassium helps with blood pressure, bloating and energy.

Vitamin C this too helps to boost immunity and fight off colds and infections. One cup of pumpkin puree contains 11mg of Vitamin C and the recommended daily intake is 60mg.

So stock up on your pumpkins now! Add them to your smoothies, soups and stews! Get creative with your use and enjoy all the yummy (and healthy!) goodness they have to offer <3