Only Jack-O’-Lanterns grin wider than I do during pumpkin season. While all winter squash is delicious there’s just something especially festive about pumpkins – and especially healthy. From canned pumpkin to pumpkin seeds – even pumpkin pie – the health benefits of pumpkin are scarily good.

Why Pumpkin Eaters Will Survive the Zombie Apocalypse

Just one cup of pumpkin contains 49 calories, more than 200% of your daily recommended dose of Vitamin A, lots of fiber, more potassium than a banana, and almost 20% of women’s recommended intake of Vitamin C.

All that means pumpkin-eaters will see better in dim light (handy for fighting the undead), and have their body’s balance of electrolytes restored since all that potassium improves muscle function (which you’ll need for endurance while running from those zombies!).

Pumpkin Seeds are a Ghoul’s Best Friend

A handful of roasted pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, zinc, beta-carotene, and tryptophan (like Turkey).

Combined, these nutrients reduce wrinkles, and make you feel amazing (Tryptophan is most famous for inducing post-Thanksgiving snoozes, but it is also an important amino acid for producing serotonin – the feel-good chemical in your brain). They also lower bad cholesterol, boost the immune system, and prevent cancer. You’ll live so long, your neighbors might think you’re a member of the un-dead.

Pumpkin Pie Spices Up Your Love Life

As if sexy Halloween costumes weren’t enough to get you in the mood – that pumpkin pie (or pumpkin pie flavored body shot) at your Halloween party just might push you over the edge. The spices that makes pumpkin pie taste delicious are just as healthy as the gourd, with one very sexy added benefit.

Pumpkin Pie Spice is a mix of Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, and Nutmeg. Not feeling “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” yet? You will after you read these fun facts:

Cinnamon has been linked to lowering bad cholesterol.
Powdered Ginger decreases blood pressure, aids digestion, and stimulates the circulatory system (great for your skin and increasing blood flow to… important places).
Cloves have a higher antioxidant content than any other food, boost memory, and help with flatulence (rather important for sexy activities).
Nutmeg has been said to work as a powerful aphrodisiac.

Live longer, feel happier, and have better sex? No wonder that Jack-o-Lantern is grinning.