Pumpkin is not just a fun Halloween day treat; it is actually a low in calories vegetable which is high in potassium and alpha & beta carotene as well as lutein. These carotenoid phytonutrients function as a powerful antioxidant.
Lutein is important in eye health. As well as being high in the anti-oxidant Vitamin A, it is also high in another anti-oxidant - vitamin C.
The balance between potassium and sodium is of critical importance to our health. Potassium works with sodium to maintain the body's water balance. Our water balance is essential to ensure our blood pressure is kept within a healthy range.
Winter squash is one of the most concentrated vegetable sources of Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) an omega-3 essential fatty acid that is vital for heart health as well as having anti-inflammatory properties and is important for brain function amongst other roles.
Other compounds found in squash include: dietary fibre, folate, vitamin B6 and niacin. Energy producing vitamins B1 and B5 are also well represented.
Winter squash are available from August through to March, with their peak season being in October and November.
Why not try our warming soup after a night of Halloween fun? 
Debi-Ann Wrigglesworth DipCNM MFNTP
Jo Gamble BA (hons) DipCNM MFNTP
