Pumpkin | Superfood

Pumpkin Description & Health Benefits

• Pumpkin originated in North America and can range in size up to 75 pounds. Pumpkins belong to the cucurbita genus, a family containing other squashes and gourds. A pumpkin is classified as such due to its rigid, curved stem and smooth, creased skin. Pumpkins are also classified as a botanical berry known as a pepo.
• Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, and a good source of fiber, vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, copper, and manganese.
  • Vitamin A is crucial in good eye health; it also plays a role in cellular communication, reproduction, and immune function.
  • Fiber supports digestive health, including preventing constipation. It also helps reduce weight gain as it makes you feel full sooner and longer.
  • Vitamin C is an antioxidant that assists in wound health and formation of bones, teeth, and cartilage. It also helps increase iron absorption, so pairing vitamin C and iron containing foods together helps increase total iron absorption.
  • Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, aids in growth, development, and function of cells, as well as helping turn the food consumed into energy.
  • Potassium helps build muscles and protein, maintains body growth, controls acid-base balance and electrical activity of the heart, as well as breaks down and helps use carbohydrates.
  • Copper aids in iron absorption and helps iron form red blood cells. It also aids in keeping blood vessels, nerves, bones, and the immune system healthy.
  • Manganese is necessary for normal brain and nerve function, as well as forming connective tissue and bones.

Purchasing, Selecting, Storing, and Preparing

• Purchase fresh or canned pumpkin. Pumpkin can also be harvested from traditional Halloween pumpkins.
• Select fresh pumpkins that are firm, heavy for their size, and without cuts or bruises.
• Store fresh pumpkins in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months.
• Prepare by washing the outside, cutting open, removing the seeds (these can be roasted and eaten), cutting off the skin, and then cooking as desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup cooked pumpkin
Calories: 49 | Protein: 1.76 g | Fat: 0.17 g | Carbohydrate: 11 g | Fiber: 2.7 g | Calcium: 102 mg | Riboflavin: 0.2 mg | Potassium: 564 mg | Vitamin C: 11.5 mg | Copper: 0.2 | Maganese: 0.2 mg | Vitamin A: 12231 IU
ndb.nal.usda.gov 

Recipes

• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds 
• Mexican Pumpkin Punch
• Pumpkin Soup
• Pumpkin Pancakes