Of all the delicious produce that comes into season during the fall, the most loved is the pumpkin. From pumpkin ravioli to pumpkin lattes, this delicious gourd will make it’s way into just about every type of food out there. In addition to being tasty, we’ve got some reasons why you should feel good about adding pumpkin to your diet, and a delicious recipe you may not have tried yet!
1. Pumpkins are chock full of fiber – there are 3 grams in each one-cup serving. This means that pumpkin will help you stay fuller, longer, and aid in your weight loss journey.
2. Like other orange vegetables, pumpkins are dense with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is not only a key nutrient in keeping skin wrinkle-free, but may also help prevent cancer.
3. Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, the amino acid that is critical to producing serotonin. Serotonin is a key factor in determining our mood: the more you have, the better your mood will be.
4. While many athletes might reach for a banana to replenish potassium after a workout, pumpkin actually has more per serving. Potassium restores the body’s electrolytes and keeps muscles working at their best.
5. Pumpkins boast a healthy amount of the immune-boosting Vitamin C. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains 11 milligrams, or 20% of the daily recommended amount for women.
Now that you know why pumpkin is so good for you, we’ve got a delicious Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread recipe for you to try!
Photo courtesy of Flickr.
Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread
Recipe from 100 Days of Real Food
- 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup oil (I used coconut oil)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the dry ingredients (from the flour down to the salt). - Make a well (hole) in the center and throw in the eggs, oil, honey, and vanilla. Stir together thoroughly with a fork, but do not overmix.
- Fold in the pumpkin puree and nuts (if using).
- Generously grease a large loaf pan or put muffin liners in a muffin pan and then pour in the batter.
- For a loaf bake for approximately 30 – 40 minutes and for muffins bake for approximately 18 – 22 minutes. Check for doneness by making sure a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
