![\"Perks](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/skinnygeneproject.dreamhosters.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/perks_of_eating_pumpkin.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe golden leaves are falling, and cool breezes fill the night air, it is finally sweater weather; it\u2019s fall.\u00a0 In my case, I know fall has arrived when comments and pictures start filling my newsfeed on any social media site with what seems to be the most popular food item of the season, the pumpkin.\u00a0 Once a year, pumpkin sweeps the nation, and many people indulge in anything pumpkin, like the very popular pumpkin spice latte.\u00a0 However, many of these commercial food items are typically high calorie foods in the form of beverages and desserts.\u00a0 Some of us may forget that the pumpkin is a very healthy fruit; yes it is a fruit that is low in calories, and contains a long list of health benefits, both inside and out.<\/p>\n
The flesh of pumpkins is rich in vitamin A<\/strong> and vitamin C.\u00a0<\/strong> Vitamin A<\/strong> and C<\/strong> help with boosting your immune system, and vitamin A<\/strong> itself, promotes eye health, protecting them from degeneration and cataracts.\u00a0 They also have carotenoids, beta-carotene, alpha carotene<\/strong> and lutein<\/strong>, where in the body, carotenoids<\/strong> convert into vitamin A<\/strong> that provide the added protection against heart disease, help fight off cancer-causing free radicals and helps prevent wrinkles.\u00a0 Furthermore, beta-carotene<\/strong> contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties helping with joint inflammation and arthritis.\u00a0 Pumpkins are rich in fiber<\/strong>, promoting a healthy digestive system, and aids in maintaining blood sugars, and lowering cholesterol.\u00a0 The list goes on as the great pumpkin contains the mineral magnesium<\/strong> that helps with migraines; potassium<\/strong>, shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure; zinc<\/strong>, a mineral that helps build strong bones, keeps your immune system healthy, and aids in reproductive health.\u00a0 Lastly, pumpkins have the chemical compound, L-tryptophan<\/strong>, triggering feelings of well-being and happiness, preventing depression.\u00a0 This could be one explanation why people are happy when pumpkin-flavored food and beverages enter their lives during the fall.<\/p>\n However, it is not only the flesh of the pumpkin that provides healthful benefits, but the seeds are great too.\u00a0 When you carve your pumpkin this Halloween, keep the seeds.\u00a0 Give them a good rinse, and bake them for a quick and healthy snack.\u00a0 Pumpkin seeds contain protein<\/strong>; consuming one ounce has seven grams of protein.\u00a0 Also, pumpkin seeds are rich in essential fatty acids<\/strong>, which promote healthy skin and enhance brain power; and phytosterols<\/strong> that can lower risks for prostate cancer.\u00a0 Pumpkin seeds also have additional vitamin A<\/strong>, magnesium<\/strong>, and zinc<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The pumpkin definitely proves itself to be an amazing healthy fruit, and would definitely consider this to be a superfood.\u00a0 This season is far from over, and pumpkins are here to stay, at least for awhile.\u00a0 If you are craving that pumpkin spice latte, there is always a way to make a cheaper, lower calorie alternative.\u00a0 Click here<\/a> for the healthier version.<\/p>\n Enjoy a happy, healthy pumpkin season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Eileen Ferrer, Skinny Gene Nutritionist The golden leaves are falling, and cool breezes fill the night air, it is finally sweater weather; it\u2019s fall.\u00a0 In my case, I know fall has arrived when comments and pictures start filling my newsfeed on any social media site with what seems to be the most popular… <\/p>\nPop Some Pumpkin Seeds<\/h3>\n
Pour a Pumpkin Spice Latte<\/h3>\n