Trick or treat…give me something good to eat. That “something good” is usually synonymous with something sweet, and for that, we’re turning to the nutrient-packed pumpkin. Though pumpkin spice lattes abound, we can get that sweet pumpkin fix without deviating from our Golden Goddess Plate. Here are five reasons to indulge in pumpkin—and how.

Why pumpkin?

  1. Rich in antioxidants.
  2. Stabilizes blood sugar levels
  3. Promotes sleep
  4. Rich in Vitamins A & C. Pumpkins get their orange from beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A; one cup contains over 200% of the RDA intake for Vitamin A! They’re also rich in the antioxidant Vitamin C, boosting immune health and collagen production, and reducing the oxidative stress we absorb from our environment.
  5. High in magnesium. Most Americans are deficient in magnesium, yet this is a powerhouse nutrient that we need to increase regularly. It’s involved in thousands of important functions throughout our body, from energy creation and electrolyte balance, to muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation. According to this research, magnesium is redistributed during exercise to accommodate metabolic needs, so we need to replenish lost stores after exercise.

 

Pick your pumpkin.

  1. Most canned pumpkin is a mixture of squashes, not pure pumpkin. Making your own puree helps ensure the pumpkin you use in recipes is the real deal.
  2. Add your puree to oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, soups and chilis, energy bites, and desserts.
  3. Make it a mask. Mix your puree with manuka honey, cinnamon and a little lemon juice; mix and leave on face for 10-15 minutes. Hello, glow.
  4. Pumpkin makes the perfect sub for eggs, boosting nutrients in breads, baked goods, muffins and cookies. ¼ cup pumpkin = 1 egg.
  5. Make one of Nourishing Lab’s popular Savory Sweet Potato Smoothie from our Gutlove Smoothie Guide:

savory sweet potato smoothie

raw virgin foods

 

Savory Sweet Potato Smoothie:

1-2 cups Almond Milk
2 Tbs Collagen Powder
1 Tbs Almond Butter
1 cup Sweet Potato
½ tsp Cinnamon
Top with cinnamon and nutmeg
1 Tbs Chia Seeds
1-2 Tbs Almond Butter
Spinach
1 teaspoon Virgin Raw Foods Bee Panacea

Place in a blender and serve with almonds and seeds

melissa