Pumpkins: Not just a jack-o-lantern!

Pumpkins seem to be everywhere this time of year, but despite their popularity around Halloween, they are a flavorful, low-fat and low-calorie choice suitable for a meal any time of year. Pumpkins are so much more than just a jack-o-lantern for the kids!

CNN has been heaping praises upon the nutritional value of pumpkins. This online article suggests that because pumpkins (like other orange foods such as carrots) contain the antioxidant beta carotene, eating pumpkin may help prevent heart disease and some cancers while stimulating digestion and helping to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. That sure seems to be reason enough to be eating them up, rather than carving them up!

Here are a few fabulous vegetarian pumpkin recipes from around About.com:

Pumpkin and Sage Pasta Sauce
Vegan Pumpkin Scones
Pumpkin and Oatmeal Muffins
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Pie Latte
More vegetarian pumpkin recipes
See also: Vegetarian and Vegan Halloween Tips

Photo by: Moesi