Eating Pumpkin Pie during the holidays may be just a start. Pumpkin has a lot of potential to improve our overall health throughout the year. Perhaps we should consider including pumpkin in our daily diets, and not always in sweet treats. Pumpkin fruit is best consumed cooked with boiling being a popular method. Pumpkin can be consumed like any other squash and the seeds can be kept and roasted.

A summary of major nutrients in pumpkin and pumpkin seeds include Beta carotene. Calcium, Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, Amino Acids and Fatty Acids. Pumpkin fruit is a great source of healthy fiber. In fact, pumpkin is one of the best sources of Beta carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A.

Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, are becoming ever more popular. Perhaps this is because the seeds are a good source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, protein, fiber, and minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium. They are a fast and quick snack being offered toasted, raw, and sprouted. Brands that carry pumpkin seeds include Go Raw, Eden Organic, and NOW Foods. We also carry them in our bulk departments.