Pumpkin spice season is upon us. But sadly, there’s no real pumpkin in most pumpkin spice lattes. In fact, pumpkin-flavored coffee drinks can contain 12 teaspoons of sugar.
It’s the real gourd that will get you health benefits.
Pumpkin is a nutrition powerhouse, packed with Vitamin A and potassium, and the seeds hidden inside are full of fiber, magnesium, and zinc.
Dietitians have linked pumpkin with proper digestion and a stronger immune system, and that brilliant orange color is thanks to beta-carotene and other antioxidants, essential for healthy eyes.
Of course, wrangling a real pumpkin into the kitchen is pretty labor-intensive. Fortunately, you can get the same benefits from a can. Just make sure the label says “100 percent pumpkin.”
The puree can easily be mixed into pancake batter, muffins, smoothies, and soups.
