This fall-time favorite is a nutritional powerhouse!

Is pumpkin really that good for you, and how much should you eat daily?

Pumpkin also contains vitamins C and E, which promote long-term eye health by protecting against oxidative stress.

a collage of pumpkins on a dark teal background

Photo:Liudmila Chernetska, Bozena_Fulawka, Creativeye99 / Getty Images

Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, providing roughly one-quarter of your daily needs per cup.

And dont toss the seeds!

In fact, 1 cup of pumpkin puree has more potassium than a banana.

Potassium helps regulate blood pressure in two ways.

In addition, potassium increases sodium excretion in the urine, which may also lower blood pressure.

Pumpkin is safe for everyone to eat.

Vitamin A toxicity can occur if someone ingests too much of the nutrient.

But this only occurs if you eat many servings of pumpkin every day for a prolonged period of time.

Swirl it intoPumpkin-Spice Latte Overnight Oatsor blend some into aPumpkin Pie Smoothie.

Plus, its an easy way to up your fiber intake.

Next time youre craving a sweet snack, whip up a batch of thesePumpkin Spice Energy Balls.

They take just 15 minutes to make!

Include It in Baked Goods

The possibilities for pumpkin in baked goods are endless.

APumpkin Pie Crispis a delicious alternative to apple pie.

Or, go all-in on aPumpkin Swirl Cheesecakeif youre entertaining guests.

Its also a genius way to thickenchili.

It may also help lower blood pressure.

Add a serving of pumpkin to your morning oatmeal or smoothie to start your day off right.

There are no side effects from eating a single serving of pumpkin every day.

Pumpkin does not detox the body.

As a matter of fact, no single food detoxes the body.

Our liver and kidneys work tirelessly to flush out unwanted chemicals and toxins.

National Institutes of Health.

StatPearls Publishing; 2024.

2019;8(4):85. doi: 10.3390/antiox8040085

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Office of Dietary Supplements.Iron - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

US Department of Agriculture.Food Data Central.

National Institutes of Health.

Office of Dietary Supplements.Potassium - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

US Department of Agriculture.

Food Data Central.Pumpkin, canned, without salt

Al Nasser Y, Jamal Z, Albugeaey M.Carotenemia.