If you're watching your calorie intake, you'll be happy to know that 1 oz of pumpkin without salt, canned, contains only 10 calories. But pumpkin is not just low in calories; it's also rich in nutrients and has many health benefits.

Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin, vision, and immune function. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The beta-carotene in pumpkin may even help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the health benefits of pumpkin, share some delicious pumpkin recipes to try, and explore how to store and freeze canned pumpkin.

Calories in 1 Oz Pumpkin (Without Salt, Canned)

As mentioned earlier, 1 oz of pumpkin without salt, canned, contains only 10 calories. This makes it a great option for those trying to lose weight or maintain their weight. However, be mindful of the other ingredients you add to your pumpkin recipes, as they may increase the calorie count.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is packed with nutrients that can benefit your health in many ways. Here are some of the top health benefits of pumpkin:

• Rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
• Contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all of which are important for overall health.
• The beta-carotene in pumpkin may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
• May improve insulin regulation and prevent diabetes.
• May boost mood and alleviate stress.

Pumpkin Recipes to Try

Whether you're in the mood for something sweet or savory, there are plenty of delicious pumpkin recipes to try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Pumpkin soup
• Pumpkin pie
• Pumpkin bread or muffins
• Pumpkin chia seed pudding
• Pumpkin hummus

The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

How to Store Canned Pumpkin

If you've opened a can of pumpkin and don't plan on using it all at once, it's important to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Here are some tips for storing canned pumpkin:

• Transfer the pumpkin to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
• Alternatively, you can freeze canned pumpkin in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Before freezing, be sure to remove any excess liquid and leave some room for expansion.

Frozen pumpkin may have a slightly different texture when thawed, but it can still be used in most recipes.

Can You Freeze Canned Pumpkin?

Yes, you can freeze canned pumpkin! It's a great way to preserve leftover pumpkin and make it last longer. Here are some tips for freezing canned pumpkin:

• Transfer the pumpkin to an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion.
• Label the container or bag with the date and the amount of pumpkin.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Pumpkin vs. Sweet Potato: Which is Healthier?

Both pumpkin and sweet potato are healthy choices, but they have different nutritional profiles. Here's how they compare:

• Pumpkin is lower in calories and carbohydrates than sweet potato.
• Sweet potato is higher in protein, fiber, and vitamin C than pumpkin.
• Both are good sources of vitamin A and potassium.
• Choose either one or both to add variety to your diet!

Easy Pumpkin Seed Snacks to Make at Home

Don't throw away those pumpkin seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds make a delicious and healthy snack. Here's how to make them at home:

1. Remove the seeds from the pumpkin and rinse them in a colander.
2. Spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and let them dry overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 300°F.
4. In a small bowl, mix together some melted butter or oil, salt, and any other spices you like (such as cinnamon or cayenne pepper).
5. Drizzle the spice mixture over the seeds and toss to coat.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seeds are golden brown and crispy.
7. Let cool before serving.

Enjoy these pumpkin seed snacks as a healthy and satisfying snack!

Digestive Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is not only nutritious but also great for digestion. Here's how it can benefit your digestive health:

• Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can promote regularity and prevent constipation.
• The antioxidants in pumpkin may help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve digestion.
• It may also help soothe an upset stomach and relieve nausea.

Pumpkin Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for 1 oz of pumpkin without salt, canned:

• calories: 10
• Protein: 0.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.4 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Vitamin A: 2450 IU (49% DV)
• Vitamin C: 0.9 mg (2% DV)
• Potassium: 47 mg (1% DV)

Pumpkin Spice Everything: The Trend

It wouldn't be fall without pumpkin spice! But why is pumpkin spice so popular? Here are some theories:

• Marketing: Companies started promoting pumpkin spice products heavily in the 2000s, and the trend took off.
• Nostalgia: Pumpkin spice has a nostalgic, comforting aroma and flavor that reminds people of childhood memories or holidays.
• Social media: The popularity of pumpkin spice may have been fueled by social media, where users share photos and opinions on new pumpkin spice products.
• Cultural significance: In American culture, pumpkin pie is a traditional holiday dessert, so pumpkin spice may be associated with special occasions and family gatherings.

Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice is here to stay!