Pumpkin recipes are one of the best blessings of Autumn. When you use real pumpkin puree and ingredients, you get nutrients that fortify your body from your head to your toes. And, our Beyond Keto Cacao Pumpkin Muffins are full of pumpkin!
Ready to try them yourself? They boost real pumpkin, healthy coconut flour, pumpkin spice, cacao nibs and more. Here’s how to make them and why you should.
One of the best parts of Autumn is pumpkin. These days, we find it everywhere. In our coffee, in our soups, and certainly in our snacks. Fortunately, offers amazing health benefits (1). Here’s what pumpkin has for your body:
Pumpkin contains alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These are strong antioxidants, and they will work together to fight free radicals, reduce the risk of cancer, promote heart health, reduce cholesterol-plaque formations, and preserve eye health.
In fact, when pumpkins are analyzed, lutein is the most abundant carotenoid therein (2). Lutein and the other carotenoids can protect body organs and tissue from free radical damage and oxidative stress.
This is incredibly beneficial as oxidative damages are always related to cancer, premature aging, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, and a series of other degenerative diseases (3).
The cell walls of pumpkin contain pectin. Pectin contains components that are highly anti-inflammatory. How does this help you?
Anti-inflammatory diets can improve many chronic diseases and symptoms. These include heart disease, joint pain, arthritis, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, asthma, and more.
The flesh of the pumpkin is not the only valuable component.
Pumpkin seed oil is highly nutritious and beneficial to the body.
In fact, pumpkin seed oil has specifically been shown to reduce the risk of cellular overgrowth and unhealth in the prostate, breast, colorectal, gastric, joints, heart, and lungs (4, 5, 6). Amazing!
This is a great reason to also buy whole pumpkins, roast, and eat the seeds!
Pumpkin seeds also contain phytosterols. Phytosterols are the components used in cholesterol-lowering supplements, functional foods, and more. They are often termed plant sterols.
What’s more, the carotenoids in pumpkin flesh can protect the heart and other body organs and tissue from free radical damage, oxidative stress, and plaque formation (3).
Additionally, pumpkin is a great source of fiber, monounsaturated fats, omega-3s, B-vitamins, and copper. B-Vitamins and Copper both play a part in energy production, and can make a difference in your get-up-and-go!
In addition, the spices used in our homemade pumpkin spice recipe are no nutrition slouches.
Individually and together, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger provide anti-inflammatory, digestion, brain, circulation, heart health, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and other health benefits. Additionally, it fights free radicals and oxidative stress. Read all about them, and learn how to make your own homemade pumpkin spice here.
Lastly, cacao nibs are great for full-body health. In fact, their polyphenols can provide benefits to your heart, brain, and energy levels. Cocoa nibs promote reduced inflammation, reduced oxidative stress and free radicals, cellular health, and neurodegenerative protection.
It simply doesn’t get better than this: amazing flavor and amazing health benefits! Our Beyond Keto Pumpkin Muffins are just what the doctor ordered for Autumn. Enjoy!