Pumpkin is good for us…so enjoy!!

Laura / CC

Pumpkin — a fruit, not a vegetable — is loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene. Besides reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancer, beta-carotene converts in the body to vitamin A, which is vital to overall good health and reportedly helps ward off degenerative conditions related to aging. One cup of cooked pumpkin has only 49 calories while providing 2 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of dietary fiber and essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and selenium as well as vitamins C, A, E and niacin. If that’s not enough reason to introduce pumpkin into the regular diet, maybe the fact that it can be incorporated into many delicious recipes — from soups and main dishes to breads, desserts and candies — might be.