A cup of this fall favorite delivers over 200% of your daily vitamin A needs, plus a healthy dose of vitamin C, E, fiber, and more.
Pumpkin: Thanksgiving’s Superstar or Superfood Imposter?
I was in Trader Joe’s grocery store today and spied pumpkin pie.
Along with pecan, pumpkin is my favorite pie.
But is pumpkin healthy?
You may be surprised that pumpkin is a superfood.
Today, I hope to convince you of its nutritional value.
First, a step back in time.
Pumpkin: One of the Oldest Known Crop
Pumpkin’s fascinating history dates back to Oaxaca (Mexico) nearly 10,000 years ago.
These early pumpkins were bitter and small.
Indigenous communities used them for several purposes, including the following:
- Storage
- Crafting mats and baskets from the tough rinds
- Medicine
Over time, these communities cultivated larger and sweeter varieties.
Pumpkins spread through the Americas, and European colonizers (especially the Spanish) spread pumpkins throughout the world.
Pumpkins’ Nutritional Value
Looking for a nutrient-rich food?
Pumpkin has you covered.
Here are the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration numbers for one cup of pumpkin:
A cup boasts a whopping 212 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement and plenty of vitamin C, E, and antioxidants.
It’s also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
Even the seeds are nutritional goldmines, providing protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Pumpkin: Thanksgiving’s Superstar or Superfood Imposter? But Wait, There’s More
While we don’t have definitive proof that eating pumpkin will make you younger or prevent diseases, this fall favorite contains nutrients contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s why you should add more pumpkin to your diet:
- Vitamin A Superstar: Pumpkin contains copious amounts of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. This essential vitamin is essential for healthy vision, glowing skin, and a strong immune system.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Pumpkin is bursting with antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E. These powerful compounds fight cell damage, protect against disease, and may even have anti-aging effects.
- Diabetes-Friendly: Despite being a fruit, pumpkin is considered a vegetable in dietary guidelines thanks to its high fiber and low sugar content. These nutritional assets make it a great option for those with diabetes or who are watching their blood sugar levels.
- Heart-Healthy Hero: Pumpkin’s soluble fiber, high potassium, and low sodium levels can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Plus, pumpkin seeds are a good source of heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
My Take – Pumpkin: Thanksgiving’s Superstar or Superfood Imposter?
Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse, and it’s in season now.
With the holidays coming up, it’s a great time to find creative ways to add pumpkin flesh and seeds to your meals.
Pumpkin seeds are my newest addition to my snack routine.
Do you like pumpkin pie? Seeds? Okay, carving?
Happy Thanksgiving Day to my U.S. friends.
Thank you for reading “Pumpkin: Thanksgiving’s Superstar or Superfood Imposter?”
