Pumpkin Season is BACK.

Fall is here! Summer is amazing, but fall gets our hearts warm and happy.

We are excited, we are ready and we are here to talk all things PUMPKIN. Because beyond the fact that it trends on social every year, it is actually good for you!

Plus, we are always ALL ABOUT making food fun at HSH, but something about pumpkin in the fall is ESPECIALLY fun.

So, we are talking all things limited edition goodies, pumpkin, & what pumpkin does for your body in this quick post.

Let’s start with the nutritional benefits, because besides being instagrammableAF, this ingredient is pretty special.

PUMPKIN IS HIGH IN BETA CAROTENE: VITAMIN A.

Pumpkin is particularly high in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, which is used in the body as Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important in maintaining functions such as vision, as well as immune and organ support. Vitamin A is also an important fuel source aiding in proper growth and development of babies in the womb.

(no wonder Jenna is eating all pumpkin everything right now LOL)

HEART HEALTHY

In addition, pumpkin contains a range of nutrients that are beneficial to your health, specifically your heart health. It is high in potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Studies have shown that people with higher level of potassium in their diets have lower blood pressure as well as reduced risk of strokes. Antioxidants found in pumpkins have also been found to prevent that “bad” cholesterol (LDL) from clumping along the walls of blood vessels, which in turn increase your risk of heart disease.

GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN

Beta carotene also works to protect our skin from the sun’s wrinkle-causing UV rays. AND! Something fun, the pulp of pumpkin makes a great, all-natural face mask that has naturally occurring smoothing and exfoliating properties.

You can DIY your own facemask with simple ingredients and pumpkin being the star of the show! We haven’t tried so we don’t have a recipe to share but google has MANY. Let us know which you try first!

 *SOURCE: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin#TOC_TITLE_HDR_8

Ways to ENJOY PUMPKIN:

(Even all year round!)

• DIY a pumpkin spice latte at home!

  • In a frother, (our fave frother HERE) add your milk and 1-2 tbsp of pumpkin PUREE and froth! Add in some pumpkin spice and pour over a hot coffee!

• Add pumpkin puree to your oatmeal for some pumpkin spiced oats

• Add pumpkin puree into your favorite energy bites recipe in place of or in addition to nut butters

• FREEZE pumpkin puree to add to smoothies! (recipe at the bottom of this post!)

Pumpkin season can be enjoyed year round - canned pumpkin is sold year round, BUT, some of the most delicious seasonal pumpkin eats are only offerred this time of year, so TAKE ADVANTAGE!

Specifically go we recommend ALL the things from Trader Joes!

Including:

• Pumpkin Ravioli

• Pumpkin Cream Cheese

• Pumpkin Tortilla Chips

• Pumpkin Pie Spice

• Pumpkin Butter

• Trader Joe’s Autumn Harvest Sauce

• Trader Joe’s Fall Harvest Salsa

• Trader O’s Pumpkin Spice Cereal

• Hold the Cone: Pumpkin Flavor

MORE FALL FAVES TO TRY:

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE IN 2 SIMPLE STEPS:



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Hi! I’m Liz, Intern at HSH and I’m SO happy you’re here! I am a current nutrition student, food fanatic, fitness lover- and hopeful RD to be. I can’t wait to connect and share all things food, fitness and feeling great just as YOU are!

Learn more about me and the HSH offerings here.