Pumpkins

Mike Mozart / CC

October is pumpkin month — we see them on front porches, in homes, in pies, on decorations. But are they good for you? In a word, yes. Pumpkins belong to the winter squash family, along with seasonal favorites like butternut squash, acorn squash, hubbard squash and turban squash. They’re rich in a variety of nutrients including vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, fiber, manganese, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, copper, vitamin B6, niacin-vitamin B3 and pantothenic acid. All of these nutrients pack a major nutritional punch.