As the crisp autumn air arrives, pumpkin spice fever is once again sweeping the nation. Whether or not you’re a fan of pumpkin spice lattes, the fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) is a surprisingly versatile ingredient that can be used for much more than the traditional pumpkin pie or seasonal drink. Pumpkin is a superfood packed with nutrients that can boost your immune system, protect your heart and prevent cancer. It can also also help you lose weight because it is very filling despite having only 50 calories per cup.
Below are some of our favorite ways to add more pumpkin into your diet:
- Add pumpkin to a smoothie
- Roast pumpkin in the oven for a side dish
- Spice up plain or vanilla yogurt with a bit of pumpkin and touch of honey.
- Substitute pumpkin for oil or fat in your favorite breads, muffin or pancake recipes.
- Mix pumpkin (pureed or canned) into soups or sauces
And, don’t forget to save the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are great sources of fiber, protein and key vitamins. They also contain tryptophan, which helps regulate your mood, reduce depression and improve sleep quality. Pumpkin seeds make a great snack on their own, or they’re a nice addition to salads, yogurt or oatmeal!
This is not to say that you shouldn’t enjoy your favorite pumpkin spice latte or snack! Just be mindful that many pumpkin spice flavored drinks and snacks are high in sugar and don’t contain much pumpkin. If you’d like to explore more recipes using pumpkin, check out the articles below:
25 Savory Pumpkin Recipes That Prove It’s Not Just for Pie
Photo Credit: Rhonda Fleming Hayes/Flickr
