Episode Description:
As the air cools and the leaves change, it's officially pumpkin season—and the real pumpkin deserves the spotlight beyond café drinks. Join us on the Thrive Carolinas platform with Dr. Nancy A. Palermo as we explore the incredible health benefits and versatility of this fall favorite.
In this episode, categorized under Healthy Eating, Lifestyle Medicine, and Nutrition, we reveal why pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse:
- Nutritional Benefits: Learn why pumpkin, technically a starchy vegetable, is lower in carbohydrates than potatoes and packed with fiber, which slows digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar. A one-cup serving of cooked pumpkin contains only about 30 calories.
- Immunity and Heart Health: Discover how pumpkin's richness in Vitamin A (alpha & beta carotene), Vitamin C, potassium, and manganese helps boost immunity, protect against oxidative stress, and support heart health by lowering blood pressure. We also discuss d-chiro-inositol and B vitamins, nutrients shown to help with blood sugar regulation.
- The Seeds: Don't toss those pumpkin seeds! They are nutritional powerhouses packed with magnesium (great for muscle and nerve function), iron, zinc, and tryptophan, the amino acid that aids in producing serotonin—the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, appetite, and mood. Learn the best way to roast them for a crunchy snack.
- Cooking Tips: Get practical advice on choosing a good pumpkin (firm, heavy for its size). Dr. Palermo shares suggestions for incorporating pumpkin's mild sweetness into both sweet and savory dishes, such as pumpkin hummus, chili, soups, or as a substitute for winter squash.
- The Takeaway: We discuss how to skip the sugar found in most café versions and embrace real pumpkin in your cooking to enjoy the taste of fall with all the health benefits and none of the guilt.
Tune in for personalized healthcare insights from the collaborative platform of conventional, integrative, & functional medicine practitioners at THRIVE.
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