Apples, Pumpkins, Butternut Squash, Oh My!

I know, I know. The title is a wee bit cheesy, but it's all I could think of at the moment.
Fall is my favorite time of year, and not just because of the wide variety of produce in season. I love the leaves, the smell, the... Okay, maybe it is because of the new array of cooking possibilities, but who doesn't love pumpkin?? Anyway, if the wonderful taste of pumpkin isn't good enough, here are some more reasons to love pumpkin (and all other fall produce).

Pumpkin

• Potassium, lots and lots! (564 mg per cup)
•  Assists in keeping a balance between your body's sodium levels which helps lowers blood pressure
• Beta-carotene (5,000 mcg per cup)
• Vitamin A (12,000 IUs), and more than 2,400 mcg of carotenoids! These have both been found to be star nutrients for eye and vision health. 
• The seeds are also a rich source of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. By roasting the seeds you increase the nutritional value, so roast away!

Sweet Potatoes

• High in fiber (half of which is soluble)
• Just like pumpkins, they are rich in beta-carotene and potassium. 
• Contains anti-inflammatory phytochemical quercetin

Butternut squash, acorn squash, and other winter squash share the same nutrients as pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Interestingly, quite a few fruits and vegetables increase their nutrient power when cooked. Warm food can also help your body prepare for the cold months ahead.
Lesson learned: Eat in season! The food grown during these months helps to prepare your body with the macro- and micro-nutrients that it needs for the winter months.

Sources:
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth by Jonny Bowden Ph.D., C.N.S
My New Roots

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