The sight of bright, orange pumpkins are not only a sign that it’s Halloween season. The rich, orange color is also a reflection of the wealth of nutrition a pumpkin provides! Pumpkins are loaded with beta-carotene, which gives the orange color to this winter squash. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant that has been found to protect against certain types of cancer and heart disease. Pumpkins are also a good source of iron, potassium, vitamin C, folate and magnesium. It is also a good source of fiber, providing about 3 grams in 1 cup cooked pumpkin.Pumpkins can be enjoyed like other winter squash. You can consume them boiled, or made into a soup. Cooked pumpkin can be added to stir-fries or pasta as well.  If you want to enjoy a pumpkin pie, try to adjust a recipe to be low in fat and calories. For example, you can do this by making a crustless pie by putting the pie filling in a pudding cup. Substitute eggs with egg substitute, and use skim milk instead of cream. Canned pumpkin is tasty mixed with Diet Center’s Vanilla Gold Premium Pudding Supplement. Experiment with various low fat pumpkin recipes. Pumpkins don’t just look good as decorations; their nutrients can help your body look good too!