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Fall is my favorite season and it always means pumpkin season to me. Pumpkins are in the gourd family and they have less starch and less sugar than other squashes. Pumpkin are chocked full of vitamins and minerals and they are low in calorie, low in fat and high in fiber.

Pumpkins bright orange flesh is a dead give away that they are full of beta-carotene. In addition, they are a good source of vitamin C, K and E and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc.

Benefits:

• Promotes healthy skin with vitamins A, C and E.
• Boosts immune system with Vitamin C and Zinc.
• Promotes strong bones with potassium.
• Reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease with vitamin C and potassium.
• Reduces bad cholesterol levels with fiber.
• Promotes healthy digestion and aids in weight loss.
• Controls blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Promotes vision health with carotenoids and lutein.

Pumpkins are so versatile; they can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Both fresh and canned offer so many health benefits, plus they are delicious and easy to prepare. Of course, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin lattes are tasty and traditional for the season. Also try adding pumpkin to healthy dishes like oatmeal, protein smoothies or just roasted. One of my favorite pumpkin dishes is turkey pumpkin chili. Experiment with pumpkin and you might just find a new favorite.

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