Nutrition Nook: Benefits of Pumpkin
Fall is the season of pumpkin flavored everything. Did you know that pumpkin not only tastes great, but it is full of beneficial nutrients, too? Pumpkins are rich in nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Fiber. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be added to both sweet and savory dishes. When cooking or baking with pumpkin, you can choose to purchase pumpkin puree at the grocery store or make it on your own! If you choose to make your own pumpkin puree, it is recommended to choose a “sugar pumpkin” or “pie pumpkin”. An additional bonus of making your own pumpkin puree is that you can roast the pumpkin seeds for an additional snack rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals! The possibilities are endless when using pumpkin in your recipes. I encourage you to try a new recipe or two this fall!
About the Author
Katelyn is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist. Katelyn holds a strong interest in culinary nutrition and believes that all foods fit into a nutritious diet. She is frequently searching for new recipes to try, and you will often find her at local farmers markets on the weekends. Katelyn has a varied experience in the nutrition field, ranging from counseling adults who are critically ill to educating children on the fundamentals of nutrition. Katelyn is empathetic in nature and enjoys helping others set achievable goals towards a healthier lifestyle.