Earlier this week, I was thankful to take a fun, little day trip to Austin, TX. Even this Aggie will admit that Austin is a pretty great city – full of eclectic music, artistic treasures and big Texas personalities. One of the best times of my day in this city, better known as “The Live Music Capital of the World,” was a surprise stop at the headquarters of Whole Foods!
From kombucha tea (aka “the fountain of youth”) to eucalyptus oil, this place has just about everything imaginable that is related to health… needless to say, I was in veggie girl heaven.
Out in front of the store sat rows and rows of beautiful pumpkins – large and small, skinny and plump, green and orange – all almost seemed as if they were grinning, warmly welcoming the abundant fall season.
Pumpkins are sometimes over looked and seen only as festive vegetables we carve for the holidays… but wait! You may want to think twice before you throw out all that healthy jack-o-lantern puree. Here are just a few of the many health benefits a pumpkin has to offer:
keeps eyesight sharp
- pumpkins are packed with vitamin a, which aids in vision, particularly in dim light
- aids in weight loss
- high in fiber and low in calories, this veggie will keep you fuller longer
- reduces the risk of cancer
- pumpkins contain the antioxidant beta-carotene, which may play a role in cancer prevention, according to the National Cancer Institute
- aids in digestion
- due to their high fiber content, pumpkins aid the digestive system
- keeps the skin wrinkle-free
- Beta-carotene protects the skin
- gives you a healthy heart
- pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols that have been shown to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol
- boosts your mood
- the amino acid tryptophan, found in pumpkin seeds, is important in the production of serotonin, one of the major players when it comes to our mood…. a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds may keep you on the sunny side of life
- boosts the immune system
- yep, fall’s favorite veggie is also packed with vitamin C
So what are you waiting for? Pump up the pumpkin with one of my favorite treats, a pumpkin spice latte, and check back for more pumpkin recipes to come.
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