In Vancouver we are nearing the end of what has been a phenomenal October. It has been so dry, and sunny that we’ve actually been able to experience fall colours at their finest, instead of our typical rain + dead leaves = mushy mess. This amazing weather has led to a bumper crop of pumpkins in BC, which has been good for pumpkin growers, and pumpkin lovers alike. To celebrate, I’ve got a yummy grain-free, paleo-friendly pumpkin muffin recipe to share, but first let’s take a look at why Pumpkins are so much more than a festive gourd we carve to welcome trick-or-treaters.
5 Reasons You Should Carve Your Pumpkin & Eat it Too
- Improves eye-sight – Pumpkins are especially rich in Vitamin A weighing in at 171% of your RDA per 1 cup of pumpkin puree (1). This powerful punch of Vitamin A will help protect mucous membranes in the body, protecting the surface of the eye and preventing dry eyes, inflammation of the eye and other eye specific bacteria and diseases. Vitamin A also helps prevent night blindness, keeping your eyesight sharp, even in dim light.
- Keeps your skin young and glowing – Pumpkin is rich in anti-oxidant vitamins A, C & E and if you eat the seeds too, you’ll also get a boost of Zinc. Vitamin A, or retinol, is widely acknowledged for its contribution towards healthy skin by promoting cell turn-over and preventing acne (2). As anti-oxidant vitamins, these nutrients are agents that neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals, which can damage collagen in the skin, thus preventing dryness, fine lines and wrinkles (3) – all of which will keep your skin looking healthy and young.
- Boost your immunity – Rich in both vitamin C and beta carotenes, eating pumpkin can help you ward off colds and flus, and other ailments. Vitamin C and beta carotene can stimulate the production and activity of white blood cells, (4)(5) which are your body’s soldiers against pathogenic invaders. So it may be perfect that pumpkin season falls right in line with the start of cold and flu season.
- Keeps your digestion system running smoothly – Pumpkin is rich in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, with 1 cup of canned pumpkin providing 7 grams, or 28% of your daily value (6). Fiber is important in keeping the pipes flowing…if you catch my drift. Getting enough fiber in your diet will help keep you regular, preventing constipation and preventing a buildup of toxic waste in your intestines.
- Replenishes muscles after exertion – Fun fact: there is more potassium in a serving of pumpkin than in a banana! With 564mgs of potassium to a banana’s 422mg (7), pumpkin can be a great post-work out snack. It’s important to replenish your potassium stores during or after a workout to avoid muscle cramping, weakness, fatigue, heart palpitations and constipation (8).
And now for the recipe! This grain-free treat is like a bundle of autumn in every bite. You can make these with or without the cream cheese, depending on your dairy-tolerance level. I happened to have some cream cheese on hand as I was experimenting with making whey and cream cheese from yogurt (more on that later!)
