Fall is a wonderful time of the year to add a few fresh fruits to your diet. Key among them is pumpkin, one of the season’s most popular additions to everything from pie to coffee. While it’s celebrated for its creamy texture and delicious flavor, it’s also known for offering its health benefits. Here are some reasons to make this tasty treat a key part of your diet.

Why You Should Eat More Pumpkin

1. Immune System

It’s helpful to boost your immune health during cold and flu season. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which is known to support your body’s ability to combat illnesses and ramp up white blood cell production. They’re vital to helping you combat infections by eliminating bacteria efficiently. Pumpkin also contains approximately 20% of your daily recommended value of vitamin C, recognized for its ability to boost immunity.

2. Weight Loss

Eating filling, fibrous foods can be beneficial if you're trying to lose weight. Because of its fiber content, this fresh fruit has the potential to satisfy your appetite for longer periods. Also, thanks to its versatility, you can incorporate it into different parts of your diet and make it a more prominent part of each meal. For example, you could prepare a savory pumpkin soup for lunch or dinner, or add it to wholewheat pancakes for breakfast.

3. Eye Health

A healthy diet composed of fresh fruits like pumpkin may even support your eyesight. In addition to beneficial vitamin C, it also contains vitamin E and beta carotene. Both of these may minimize the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Moreover, pumpkin contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which may combat both cataracts and AMD. Further, the addition of zinc may reduce the risk of developing weak night vision.

For fresh fruits and vegetables you’ll enjoy year-round, visit Cranberry Country Market in Tomah, WI. The family-owned and -operated country store carries an extensive range of deli meats, fresh produce, cheeses, and other essentials sure to please your palate. Visit the website to find out more about their extensive selection, or call (608) 374-4944 to speak with a staff member.