{"id":3222267,"date":"2025-11-29T20:05:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T21:05:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/?p=3222267"},"modified":"2025-12-02T16:26:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T16:26:33","slug":"pumpkins-secret-health-powers-go-far-beyond-the-holidays-experts-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/2025\/11\/29\/pumpkins-secret-health-powers-go-far-beyond-the-holidays-experts-say\/","title":{"rendered":"Pumpkin\u2019s secret health powers go far beyond the holidays, experts say"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"beyondwords-wrapper\" class=\"beyondwords-wrapper\" readability=\"7\">\n<p><span class=\"label-bg\">NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"speakable\">Pumpkin is a staple ingredient in many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/lifestyle\/occasions\/holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">holiday dishes<\/a>, like pumpkin pie, breads, soups and even ravioli.<\/p>\n<p class=\"speakable\">In addition to its seasonal appeal, pumpkin has been shown to have many health benefits.<\/p>\n<p>According to New York-based certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, pumpkin is a great source of fiber and potassium, which boosts <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/heart-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">heart health<\/a> by countering sodium&#8217;s effect on blood pressure.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\/not-all-fiber-created-equal-doctors-share-which-kinds-truly-support-longevity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>NOT ALL FIBER IS CREATED EQUAL \u2014 DOCTORS SHARE WHICH KINDS TRULY SUPPORT LONGEVITY<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For heart health \u2014 and health in general \u2014 we are always looking for ways to increase our daily intake of fiber, and pumpkin is a good source,&#8221; she told Fox News Digital in an interview.<\/p>\n<p>About 1 cup of canned organic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/food-drink\/food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pumpkin pur\u00e9e<\/a> can provide more than 10% of daily potassium and contains about 4 grams of fiber.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20343%20192'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pumpkin-soup.jpg\" alt=\"three bowls of creamy pumpkin soup with hands holding spoons\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/picture><noscript><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/pumpkin-soup.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20675'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pumpkin-soup.jpg\" alt=\"three bowls of creamy pumpkin soup with hands holding spoons\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pumpkin-soup.jpg\" alt=\"three bowls of creamy pumpkin soup with hands holding spoons\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/noscript><\/picture><\/noscript><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><span>Caratenoids found in pumpkin, butternut squash and carrots can help protect against cell damage, experts say.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>DeCicco suggested adding pumpkin pur\u00e9e to smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt bowls for a &#8220;rich creaminess&#8221; that also satisfies the appetite.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/foxnews.onelink.me\/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&amp;af_dp=foxnewsaf%3A%2F%2F&amp;af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fapps-products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>According to the nutritionist, pumpkin is also very high in antioxidants.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There is research correlating a diet high in antioxidants to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/health\/nutrition-and-fitness\/nutrition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">health benefits<\/a>, specifically lowering the risk of inflammatory conditions,&#8221; DeCicco added.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pumpkin and other brightly colored foods, like butternut squash and carrots, also contain carotenoids, which can help protect against cell damage.<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20343%20192'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg\" alt=\"Hand removing seeds from cut pumpkin with spoon\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/picture><noscript><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20675'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg\" alt=\"Hand removing seeds from cut pumpkin with spoon\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/pumpkin-seeds-raw.jpg\" alt=\"Hand removing seeds from cut pumpkin with spoon\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/noscript><\/picture><\/noscript><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"6\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"7\">\n<p><span>Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber and protein.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to read labels carefully when using items like canned pumpkin pur\u00e9e because some labeled &#8220;pumpkin pie mix&#8221; most likely include added sugars, the nutritionist warned.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/newsletters?cmpid=fnfirstnl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Look for the can to only say \u2018organic pumpkin\u2019 as the ingredient,&#8221; she advised. &#8220;If you do want to add a bit of sweetness on your own, add ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger and a small amount of low glycemic sugar, like coconut palm sugar.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"image-ct inline\">\n<div class=\"m\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20343%20192'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg\" alt=\"hand tops pumpkin pie off with puree\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/picture><noscript><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/343\/192\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/686\/384\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"192\" width=\"343\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1023px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/672\/378\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1344\/756\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"378\" width=\"672\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1024px) and (max-width: 1279px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/931\/523\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1862\/1046\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"523\" width=\"931\" \/><source media=\"(min-width: 1280px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/720\/405\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1, https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1440\/810\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg?ve=1&amp;tl=1 2x\" height=\"405\" width=\"720\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20675'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg\" alt=\"hand tops pumpkin pie off with puree\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/making-pumpkin-pie.jpg\" alt=\"hand tops pumpkin pie off with puree\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" \/><\/noscript><\/picture><\/noscript><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\" readability=\"7\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><span>It&#8217;s important to read labels carefully when using items like canned pumpkin pur\u00e9e because some labeled &#8220;pumpkin pie mix&#8221; most likely include added sugars, a nutritionist warned.<\/span> <span>(iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/food-drink\/food\/snack-foods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">nutrient-dense snack<\/a>, DeCicco recommends adding pumpkin seeds.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Pumpkin seeds pack a huge protein and fiber punch to stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings and are also high in many antioxidants and vitamins for overall health,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Rich in zinc for immune health \u2014 and studied to improve prostate health \u2014 they are also high in potassium, magnesium and iron.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/category\/lifestyle\/quizzes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Just a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds can provide about 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, according to DeCicco. The fiber increases when eating the seeds after they are shelled.<\/p>\n<p> <!----> <\/p>\n<div class=\"article-meta\" readability=\"6\">\n<div class=\"author-bio\" readability=\"7\">\n<p>Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!<br \/>\n Pumpkin is a staple ingredient in many holiday dishes, like pumpkin pie, breads, soups and even ravioli.In addition to its seasonal appeal, pumpkin has been shown to have many health benefits.According to New York-based certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, pumpkin is a great source of fiber and potassium, which boosts heart health by countering sodium&#8217;s effect on blood pressure.NOT ALL FIBER IS CREATED EQUAL \u2014 DOCTORS SHARE WHICH KINDS TRULY SUPPORT LONGEVITY&#8221;For heart health \u2014 and health in general \u2014 we are always looking for ways to increase our daily intake of fiber, and pumpkin is a good source,&#8221; she told Fox News Digital in an interview.About 1 cup of canned organic pumpkin pur\u00e9e can provide more than 10% of daily potassium and contains about 4 grams of fiber. Caratenoids found in pumpkin, butternut squash and carrots can help protect against cell damage, experts say. (iStock)DeCicco suggested adding pumpkin pur\u00e9e to smoothies, oatmeal and yogurt bowls for a &#8220;rich creaminess&#8221; that also satisfies the appetite.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPAccording to the nutritionist, pumpkin is also very high in antioxidants.&#8221;There is research correlating a diet high in antioxidants to health benefits, specifically lowering the risk of inflammatory conditions,&#8221; DeCicco added.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIESPumpkin and other brightly colored foods, like butternut squash and carrots, also contain carotenoids, which can help protect against cell damage. Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber and protein. (iStock)It&#8217;s important to read labels carefully when using items like canned pumpkin pur\u00e9e because some labeled &#8220;pumpkin pie mix&#8221; most likely include added sugars, the nutritionist warned.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER&#8221;Look for the can to only say \u2018organic pumpkin\u2019 as the ingredient,&#8221; she advised. &#8220;If you do want to add a bit of sweetness on your own, add ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger and a small amount of low glycemic sugar, like coconut palm sugar.&#8221; It&#8217;s important to read labels carefully when using items like canned pumpkin pur\u00e9e because some labeled &#8220;pumpkin pie mix&#8221; most likely include added sugars, a nutritionist warned. (iStock)For a nutrient-dense snack, DeCicco recommends adding pumpkin seeds.&#8221;Pumpkin seeds pack a huge protein and fiber punch to stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings and are also high in many antioxidants and vitamins for overall health,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Rich in zinc for immune health \u2014 and studied to improve prostate health \u2014 they are also high in potassium, magnesium and iron.&#8221;TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZJust a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds can provide about 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, according to DeCicco. The fiber increases when eating the seeds after they are shelled.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3222269,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3222267","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222267","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3222267"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222267\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3222273,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3222267\/revisions\/3222273"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3222269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3222267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3222267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ur1stop.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3222267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}