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Everything you need to know about pumpkins

September 22 is the official first day of fall. This season is known for its shorter days, changing leaves and pumpkin spice items. It might even feel like every menu at your favorite restaurant has something with pumpkin in its menu.

Does this change of season ever leave you wondering just how healthy pumpkin items really are? What is pumpkin spice anyway? Our nutritional counseling Omaha NE has these answers. Here are some pumpkin health benefits and if pumpkin spice is healthy.

What you need to know about pumpkins

Although pumpkins are very popular during autumn, they are actually a type of winter squash. What makes this vegetable popular is its taste, versatility and amazing health benefits. This squash can be baked, steamed, pureed and added to salads. But, just how amazing is pumpkin for your body? 

Three pumpkin health benefits

It helps with post-workout recovery.

Bananas are not the only food that can help with post-workout recovery. Pumpkins can also help. Experts state that eating pumpkin seeds after a workout can help speed up the body’s recovery process. These seeds contain BCAA and zinc that help repair your muscle tissue and support your immune system. 

It supports a healthy vision.

If you are looking for food that supports your vision, then you should eat more pumpkins. This squash is known to help support a healthy vision because it is a good source of vitamin A. Your body needs vitamin A to help the retina absorb and process light. Plus, pumpkin also contains two antioxidants that help prevent cataracts and slow down macular degeneration.

It keeps the heart-healthy.

In the United States, heart disease causes one out of every four deaths. That is why it is important to follow a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent this disease. One way to help your heart is by eating pumpkin. This squash is full of potassium that helps lower your blood pressure naturally and reduces the risk of heart disease. 

Is pumpkin spice healthy?

Before we get into the health benefits of pumpkin spice, let us talk about what exactly it is. The term pumpkin spice refers to the combination of spices used to flavor pumpkin pie that consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves. 

Just how healthy pumpkin spice is depends on how it has been used. Each ingredient used in the creation of the pumpkin spice blend does have some benefits. But, when it is used in sugary coffees or pastries, it might not be the healthiest. 

As stated above, pumpkin spice is a mixture of different spices which all have their own health benefits. For example, ginger can help reduce pains, inflammation and stimulate circulation. If you want to enjoy the taste of pumpkin spice and stay healthy, then make your own pumpkin spice treats and add real pumpkin to your dishes.

Visit a nutritional counseling Omaha, NE professional!

Do you want to learn more about healthy food options that will help your body recover? Talk to our nutritional counselors. These professionals can help you create a diet that reduces the risk of chronic illness and keeps your body healthy. Set your appointment with one of our experts today!