6 healthy reasons to love pumpkin

Ahh yes, the great pumpkin. Beloved by many in its multitude of forms … lattes, baked goods and pumpkin-spiced everything.

But that's not the kind of pumpkin we're talking about. No, we're talking puréed, roasted or steamed for sauces, soups and sides … the savory versions of this fall favorite.

Whether you buy fresh or in the can, these are six ways your body can benefit from eating pumpkin.

Good for your heart

Pumpkin is loaded with potassium, which is great for your heart. Why? This mineral helps keep your heart beating at the right pace. Pretty cool, right? In addition, pumpkin has vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants that can help prevent heart disease.

Boasts cancer-fighting carotenoids

Carotenoids are plant pigments that help fight the effects of free radicals in your body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to healthy molecules. In short, these carotenoids can help protect your body against cancer.

Fills you up on fiber

Looking to feel full longer? You guessed it: try pumpkin. With three grams of fiber per cup, pumpkin is a low-calorie way to fill up.

Helps you see better

Vitamin A is great for both your vision and your immune system. One cup of pumpkin has 200% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A. Plus, pumpkin also has lutein and zeaxanthin, which both help protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Pumpkin seeds are full of nutrition

It's a messy job, but keep those pumpkin seeds. After you separate and clean them from their gooey home, add some seasoning and roast them in the oven. Pumpkin seeds can help reduce the risk of cancer, improve bowel and prostate health, and lower the risk of heart disease.

Supports your immune system

Pumpkin has lots of Vitamin C – the immune-boosting nutrient that helps lower the cell damage from free radicals. It also has vitamin A, vitamin E and iron, all of which help strengthen your immune system.