Yes, your Jack o Lantern is a Superfood!

You probably only think about pumpkins at Thanksgiving and Halloween, but did you know that pumpkins offer much more than just the symbol of autumn holidays? That Jack o Lantern is a superfood!

Most people think of pumpkins as vegetables, but they are actually fruits and belong to the gourd family.

I love to carve pumpkins. Every year it’s like my own personal competition with myself. One year I even bought funny looking squash and gourds and adorned my carved pumpkin with legs and a tail. Ya, okay I am a fifty year old kid at heart.

Most people throw out the pumpkin pulp and seeds and to me it seems like such a waste, but did you know that pumpkin is a superfood?

Be sure to dry roast your pumpkin seeds this year. Check out how to roast Jack o Lantern seeds here.

7 reasons to eat your leftover carved pumpkin

1)      Pumpkin contains the anti oxidant beta- carotene which may play a role in cancer prevention

2)      Pumpkin contains vitamin A and C which helps with eye health and your immune system

3)      Pumpkin is a great source of fibre and keeps you regular and feeling full longer on fewer calories

4)      Both pulp and seeds are a great source of magnesium which aids in muscle repair

5)      High in potassium and zinc which protects you against cardiovascular disease

6)      Pumpkin seeds contains L tryptophan the feel good chemical which aids in depression

7)      Pumpkin seeds contain plant- based chemicals called phytosterols that have been shown to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol

Check out my website for my pumpkin muffins recipe