We don’t know about you, but we are loving all of the pumpkins & Halloween fun we are seeing this year! With pumpkin and squash season upon us, we love how festive they are – plus, the health benefits of pumpkin are scary good.
Trust Us, Pumpkin Eaters Will Survive the Zombie Apocalypse!
Just one cup of pumpkin is 49 calories and contains more than 200% of your daily recommended dose of Vitamin A. Plus, a lot of fiber, more potassium than a banana, and almost 20% of women’s recommended intake of Vitamin C.
So don’t be scared, ‘treat’ yourself to some pumpkin. Pumpkin-eaters will see better in dim light to fight off the undead(!), and have their electrolytes restored with all of that since all that potassium, which improves muscle function in case you have to run from a zombie or two.
Pumpkin Seeds – a Ghoul’s Best Friend
There is so much goodness packed into a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds – phytosterols, zinc, beta-carotene, and tryptophan (like Turkey).
But let us explain: combined, these nutrients can help reduce wrinkles, and make you feel amazing. Often, Tryptophan is known best for inducing post-Thanksgiving snoozes, but it is also an important amino acid for producing serotonin – the feel-good chemical in your brain. These nutrients also lower bad cholesterol, boost the immune system, and prevent cancer. You’ll live so long, your neighbors might think you’re immortal!
Pumpkin Pie Spices Up Your Love Life
No need for sexy Halloween costumes to get you in the mood… That pumpkin pie will do the trick (and treat)! The spices that make 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. And there’s no bewitching here – just some fun facts:
Cinnamon has been linked to lowering bad cholesterol.
Powdered Ginger decreases blood pressure, aids digestion, and stimulates the circulatory system, which is great for your skin and increasing blood flow.
Cloves have a higher antioxidant content than any other food, can boost memory, and help with flatulence.
Nutmeg has been said to work as a powerful aphrodisiac.
It’s no wonder that Jack-o-Lantern is grinning – he’s living longer, is happier, and having a little fun.