Halloween is over, but pumpkin season is just starting. Thank goodness! We love pumpkin. That’s why we have shared so many recipes with it over the years. It is a delicious winter squash, and we look forward to them being in season every year!
As well as being tasty, pumpkin has many benefits that we rarely speak about. One cup of boiled pumpkin has 49 calories, 12 grams of carbs, 2.7 grams of fiber and 0.2 grams of fat. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium and phosphorus.
The glycemic load of pumpkin is 6.4, and it has minimal impact on blood sugar. The fiber can help you feel full and prevent blood sugar spikes.
Canned pumpkin in the store often isn’t pumpkin. It’s closer to butternut squash. You can cook your own! Pick one that is sold as “sweet pumpkin” or “pie pumpkin.” They are less watery and naturally sweeter.
The high potassium levels in pumpkin can help blood pressure by helping the body regulate sodium. The fiber in the squash can help lower cholesterol levels.
Beta carotene in pumpkin boosts the immune system. It can strengthen the intestinal lining and prevent infections. The beta carotene also aids vision by helping the retina absorb light. The many vitamins and minerals in the squash may help prevent or slow age-related macular degeneration. Beta carotene also aids metabolic health and can help blood sugar management.
At this time of year, it’s essential to remember that pumpkin spice has nothing to do with pumpkin. It’s the spice blend that goes into a pie. The spice blend is tasty and has nutritional benefits. Unfortunately, many of the treats it goes into do not.
You don’t need to cook pumpkin with pumpkin spice, it can be roasted, mashed, baked, boiled or steamed like any other veggie. It’s delicious with salt and pepper as it’s lightly sweet. It can be made into a wonderful creamy soup with coconut milk and Indian spices. It doesn’t have to be relegated to desserts and sweet dishes. It’s excellent as a side or main course if you treat it as a winter squash rather than a pie ingredient.
We’re huge fans of pumpkin. We don’t think it should be enjoyed just on the holidays. Pumpkin can and should be enjoyed all fall and winter long. It is tasty and nutritious and can help boost your health when treated as a vegetable instead of a dessert!
