The Fall season is upon us and as the color of the leaves change, it’s time for cozy blankets, spooky movies and, you guessed it…PUMPKIN!
Pumpkin is the epitomy of Fall. Whether it’s sipping on pumpkin spiced lattes or adding pumpkin decorations around the house, year after year, it proves to be the mascot of the Fall season. Moreover, its vibrant orange color is not only the iconic symbol for the spooky season but also reveals its potent nutritional qualities. Fortunately, this diverse squash offers a mild nutty flavor and creamy texture which makes it a tasty addition to many different Fall dishes and drinks.
Pumpkin Health Benefits:
- High in antioxidants: Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and may reduce the risk of various chronic conditions.
- High in vitamins: Pumpkins are rich in Vitamin C and various different B Vitamins. These nutrients support overall health and can boosts the immune system during cold and flu season.
- Supports eye health: Pumpkins may help protect eyesight from age-related degradation because of its high vitamin A content and compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Promotes healthy weight: As a nutrient-dense, low-calorie food, pumpkin gives you a lot of nutritional bang for your buck, making it an excellent choice for promoting healthy weight management.
- Skin health: In addition to all the nutrients listed above, pumpkins are also an excellent source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E helps to produce collagen and may reduce skin damage from UV rays.
Not only does pumpkin offer powerful health benefits, but its seeds have also been used for centuries due to their healing properties. Historically, many cultures use the seeds to combat intestinal parasites. Since then, pumpkin seed oil also been found useful for urinary & prostate health, hair growth, eye support, and more.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Health Benefits:
- High in omega-3, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids: These nutrients help to supports heart, brain, and eye health while promoting healthy cholesterol levels.
- Excellent for urinary health: Pumpkin Seed Oil is commonly used to promotes prostate health due to its ability to help reduce prostate enlargement and supports urinary flow. In addition, it’s shown to help with bladder infections, weak bladders, and kidney stones.
- Supports healthy hair: Research suggests that pumpkin seed oil may stimulate hair growth and reduce shedding. It can be applied topically or taken orally.
- Anti-Parasitic Properties: Pumpkin Seed Oil contains an amino acid called cucurbitacin which has the ability to paralyze intestinal worms making them easier to eliminate from the body.
Please Note: If you have an allergy to pumpkin, it is not recommended to take pumpkin seed oil in any form.
Get Cooking with Pumpkin
Pumpkin is easy to add to many dishes, sweet or savory, due to its mild flavor. Try adding it to:
- Soup or chili
- Smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal
- Hummus or cottage cheese
- Baked goods or pancakes
- Salad dressings, pesto, or chimichurri sauce
- As a topper for any soup, dip, or pasta
You can also wind down with one of favorite cozy treats. This Pumpkin Golden Milk recipe is a tasty, healthy, cozy treat to end any fall evening!
Pumpkin Golden Milk
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (of your choice)
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1-2 tsp of Golden Milk spice
- 1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)
- 1 tsp coconut oil or pumpkin seed oil
Instructions:
- Combine milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, golden milk spice, and coconut oil in a small saucepan.
- Whisk on medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes until warmed through (avoid boiling).
- Remove from heat and stir in collagen peptides until fully mixed.
- Optional: Froth with a handheld frother for a latte-like consistency.
- Pour into a mug, garnish with Ceylon cinnamon. Enjoy!
