Fuel Your Body with this In-season Superfood

Annie and LJ gazed at the array of pumpkins growing in neat rows, each one displaying its unique size and shape. From petite spheres to hefty ovals, the pumpkins boasted a range of vivid hues, including striking oranges, soft yellows, and rich greens. The autumn weather was perfect, with a refreshing chill in the air.

“Wow, maybe we went overboard in our pumpkin patch again. We’ve got a hefty harvest,” chuckled LJ.

“What do you think about contacting our neighbors and inviting them to a harvest party?”

“If it helps, our friends to see pumpkin as a superfood and not just jack-o’-lanterns, I’m in.”

“LJ, we have wise friends. They know pumpkin is a delicious and nourishing vegetable. It’s packed with dietary fiber for better digestion and beneficial for weight loss. In addition, it’s full of potassium, which plays an important role in preventing heart disease. It contains vitamins A and C, important for having glowing skin and a strong immune system.”

“The transition between summer and fall can be tough on your body, so eating pumpkin seems smart. Pumpkin-based foods have antioxidants like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants protect cells from damage and may even help prevent cancer.”

“Yes,” Annie nodded, “not to mention it’s also earth-friendly to eat produce in-season.

“So how can we encourage our neighbors to include more pumpkin in their diet?”

“There are so many ways! An easy one is to hand out a list of recipes. Your Mom’s pumpkin soup, which includes blending cooked pumpkin with vegetable broth and spices, is a delicious and nutritious meal.”

” My sibs and I loved her soup. She made it at the beginning of every fall. It was her way of telling us summer was over, and autumn was starting. Mom also roasted pumpkin in olive oil and spices for a tasty side dish.”

“I tried a pumpkin spice smoothie. It was delicious. You can also make pumpkin oatmeal by adding puree to it for a nutritious breakfast. Or make a healthy hummus by blending cooked pumpkin with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.”

“Those all sound delicious, Annie.”

“Well, if you like those, you might also enjoy roasted pumpkin seeds with salt and spices for a healthy snack. They’re crunchy and full of flavor! There are so many inexpensive ways to enjoy pumpkin and all its nutritional benefits.”

“In that case, let’s get this party started! I’ll let the neighbors know.”

Annie laughed. “And I’ll make some pumpkin soup.”

Here are six easy ways to amp up your nutrition game and include pumpkin in your daily diet:

1. Pumpkin Soup: Try making a delicious pumpkin soup by blending cooked pumpkin with vegetable broth and spices.
2. Pumpkin Smoothie: Add pumpkin puree to your smoothie for a healthy and filling breakfast.
3. Spicy Roasted Pumpkin: Roast pumpkin with olive oil and spices for a tasty side dish.
4. Pumpkin Oatmeal: Add pumpkin puree to your oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast.
5. Pumpkin Hummus: Make a healthy dip by blending cooked pumpkin with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
6. Pumpkin Seeds: roast pumpkin seeds with salt and spices for a healthy snack.

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple. Their storyline promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.

Andrea Breaux is the Founder of Healthy Healing Eats. She writes about food-as-medicine and earth-friendly lifestyle practices. Find her weekly blog and recipes at healthyhealingeats.com.