The hype behind pumpkin season
If you caught the email newsletter last week on how we are entering into the 5th season, in-between summer and fall, not quite yin or yang, you know what’s coming. We are headed for squash, pies, changing leaves, gathering your loved ones around a bonfire, and preparing our bodies for the cold. Instead of listing every food about to crop up in the next couple months, I want to focus on the real star: pumpkin!
We all know pumpkin season loves to come in hot every year. There’s countless memes and social media content that revolve around that transition between summer and counting down the clock until pumpkin spice lattes hit the local coffee shops. So what’s the hype behind pumpkin and is it good for our health?
It is always a lovely thing when you discover that a food so versatile and delicious is also good for you. That is certainly the case for pumpkin!
To start off, pumpkin is a winter squash, making it actually a fruit since it comes from the flower of its’ plant. Each and every part of a pumpkin is edible: skin, seeds, flowers, and even the stem if you want to try it! This is a core reason why pumpkins were such a staple food for Native Americans, given the values they hold about respecting plants and animals when they need to be consumed, being cautious to never waste. Now, Morton, Illinois is considered the “pumpkin capital of the world”, gifting the rest of us 85% of the total pumpkins we consume!
Breaking Down the Pumpkin: Benefits from Seed to Stem
This is a crucial time of year to be supporting your immune system. The beta-carotene in pumpkin is converted to Vitamin A by your body, which assists your ability to fight off diseases
Protects our bodies against damage from free radicals through a high amount of carotenoids and Vitamin C
High levels of potassium in the flesh protect your heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduces stroke risk
Pumpkin seeds provide high amounts of Zinc and protein, which as mentioned in previous blogs are crucial for skin health, can reduce PMS symptoms, and lower overall inflammation
Supports vision by way of Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E
The high fiber content of pumpkin (while still remaining low calorie) is very beneficial for keeping your bowel movements regular. This is imperative for flushing out excess estrogen!
Four Tasty Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Fall
Pumpkin Oatmeal
In a pot, mix together :
1 cup oats
1 and 1/2 cup milk of choice (I love Three Trees Organic Almond milk)
1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin
Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds & walnuts in butter and cinnamon!
Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
This recipe is so simple and calls for mostly ingredients you already have on hand. Just pick up some canned pumpkin and spices and you are good to go!
**You can replace the whole wheat flour here with Bob’s Red Mill all purpose gluten free flour!
https://cookieandkate.com/healthy-pumpkin-bread-recipe/
Vegan Pumpkin Chili
If you are wanting to try a meat free night, this pumpkin chili recipe is packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and overall warmth
https://www.makingthymeforhealth.com/one-pot-vegan-pumpkin-chili/
DIY Healthy Pumpkin Spice Latte
Making your own pumpkin spice coffee is easier than you think! There is nothing wrong with going to your favorite coffee shop if you’d like, but it’s always nice to know there are healthier versions at your fingertips!
Heat up 1 cup of your milk of choice in a pot. Whisk in about 2 tbs of pure canned pumpkin, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp pumpkin spice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a splash of maple syrup. Add to coffee or espresso!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s blog post! As always, if you ever want to take your health to the next step you can click here to book a free discovery call with Dr. Paria.
