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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

With the fall season coming to a close and the Thanksgiving holiday having gone by as quickly as it came, the pumpkin craze is on an inevitable decline. Like any other year, we say “see you later” to our favorite pumpkin dishes in favor of the new season’s crisp peppermint flavor.

Yet, experts suggest that we can benefit from incorporating pumpkin into our diet all year round. Full of essential vitamins and antioxidants, but low on calories and sugar, eating more pumpkin can decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, asthma, cancer and heart disease. Also, like carrots, pumpkin contains the beta-carotene which helps to keep our eyesight sharp. Cosmetically, it may also contribute to the development of a better complexion and nourished hair, higher energy levels, a boosted immune system, increased weight loss, and age delay.

How can you incorporate this superfood into your diet year round?

First, if you’ve already disposed of your decorative pumpkins, stock up on canned pumpkin puree. Then, you can essentially incorporate this power fruit into anything.

Here are some pumpkin food recipes to try for any meal of the day:

Breakfast: Protein Pumpkin Smoothie

UC Davis Senior Orange County, CA English & French Double Major Writer, old Hollywood film fanatic, world-class shoe collector
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