Thursday, October 1, 2015

It's October -- Bring on the Pumpkin!



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!  Do you have a favorite pumpkin recipe?  Please share in the Comments section below.    

And, try one of these healthy pumpkin-themed recipes:  


(The smoothie and chai bread are two of my favorites.)

Reference:


Written by: Sara Police, PhD

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