Healing Food Series: Pumpkin

We’re getting close to wrapping up my healing food series. October’s focus is on pumpkins, a popular and beloved winter squash. If you aren’t familiar with this series you can read more about it in this post, but each month I’ve been highlighting a certain food and the nutritional impact it has on the body.

While commonly viewed as a vegetable, pumpkin is actually a fruit, as it contains seeds. That said, it’s nutritionally more similar to vegetables than fruits. In addition to its delicious taste, pumpkin is incredibly nutritious and linked to many health benefits. Here’s a look at a few of those….

Pumpkin is high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, while also being low in calories.
Pumpkin contains a high antioxidant content, which may protect your cells against damage by free radicals and lower your risk of cancer.
Pumpkin is high in vitamins A and C, which can help boost your immune system. Its supply of vitamin E, iron and folate may strengthen your immunity as well.
Pumpkin is considered a nutrient-dense food. That means it’s incredibly low in calories despite being packed with nutrients.
Pumpkin is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, which have been linked to heart health benefits.
Pumpkin contains compounds that promote healthy skin

There are so many ways in which pumpkin can be used, which is made evident by the number of recipes included below. Lets not forget about its seeds as they’re also edible and highly nutritious.