Pumpkins contain the most common type of pro-vitamin A: beta-carotene. This carotenoid has incrediblebenefits. Maybe instead of carving pumpkins, we should be eating them instead? And not just in the form of sugar FULL pumpkin pie... We need all-natural, vibrantly orange raw/cooked/pureed pumpkin. Like a lot of other fall gourd vegetables, pumpkins improve our health by offering up their antioxidants and as I mentioned: beta-carotene.

It promotes eye health The eye is the organ most sensitive to Vitamin A deficiency. When we consume carotenoids, pumpkins, for example, we up the supply! Vitamin A helps protect the surface of the eye (cornea), and when in combination with other antioxidant vitamins, also plays a role in decreasing the risk of vision loss from macular degeneration. Plainly, this vitamin is essential for good vision.

That's right. In addition to sustaining good vision, pumpkins are also high in another carotenoid: beta-cryptoxanthin. This plant-based chemical has been shown to decrease the development of inflammatory joint conditions, such as rheumatoid athritis and other inflammatory forms of arthritis. Now I know what to consume when my texting thumbs start acting up...

Pumpkin is yet another vegetable that aids in providing our bodies antioxidants. Your body is full of free radicals, which damage cells, and antioxidants defend your skin cells against oxidative damage."Free radicals from environmental pollutants and UV light can start to break down the connective collagen and elastin that holds our skin together. The long-term results of this collagen and elastin breakdown are wrinkles and other signs of aging," says SuperFood profiles. Beta-carotene has also been proven to improve a person’s skin and decrease wrinkles.

Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause, so consuming these antioxidants from all-natural fruits and vegetables in appropriate portions can help prevent cell-damage and cancer.

Pumpkin seeds are naturally rich in phytosterols that have been shown to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol, as well as the amino acid tryptophan, which is important in production of serotonin: the mood booster! Try Picky Bars "Need for Seed" protein bar to experience the benefits of pumpkin seeds - SHOP NOW -  Taste the pumpkin in the limited edition Pumpkin Spice RX Bars - available for a limited time only -