Pumpkin Nutrition

The bright orange color of pumpkin is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is one of the plant carotenoids converted to vitamin A in the body. In the conversion to vitamin A, beta carotene performs many important functions in overall health.

Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protect against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging.

Pumpkin Nutrition Facts
(1 cup cooked, boiled, drained, without salt)

Calories 49 Protein 2 grams Carbohydrate 12 grams Dietary Fiber 3 grams Calcium 37 mg Iron 1.4 mg Magnesium 22 mg Potassium 564 mg

Zinc 1 mg Selenium .50 mg Vitamin C 12 mg Niacin 1 mg Folate 21 mcg Vitamin A 2650 IU Vitamin E 3 mg

University of Illinois Nutrition Analysis Tool
http://nat.crgq.com/
Ever wonder about the caloric and nutritional value of pumpkin pie? This interesting site will provide nutritional information on everything from pumpkin pies and breads to pumpkin seeds and flowers.

Pumpkin Nutritional Analysis
http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/~nutrican/tables/Pumpkin.html
A complete pumpkin nutritional breakdown.