Thursday, October 1, 2015
It's October -- Bring on the Pumpkin!
7:29 AM | 
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
Today is October 1. I
find myself feeling anxious to see, smell, eat, drink and carve the globe-shaped
orange plant synonymous with colorful leaves and cool days – the pumpkin.
Pumpkins aren’t just for carving; in fact, you may be
surprised to learn the impressive nutritional facts for this seasonal favorite. According to Medical News Today, consuming one
cup of cooked pumpkin will provide you over 100% of your daily recommended
needs for vitamin A, 20% of your daily needs for vitamin C and smaller amounts
of vitamin E, riboflavin, potassium, copper and manganese. Pumpkin is nutritionally dense, offering these
nutrients alongside only 49 calories, 0 grams of cholesterol and 12 grams of carbohydrates
(including nearly 3 grams of fiber and 5 of natural sugar).
Jack-o-lantern pumpkins are certainly edible, but look for
the sweet or pie pumpkin varieties for cooking yourself; these are smaller and
sweeter. Or, use canned pumpkin (just
make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not the “pumpkin pie” filling).
Interested in cooking with pumpkin this month? You aren’t alone!
And, try one of these healthy pumpkin-themed recipes:
(The smoothie and chai bread are two of my favorites.)
Reference:
Medical News Today: What are the health benefits of pumpkin?
Written by: Sara Police, PhD
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