Power Pumpkin Smoothie

The holidays include sweet treats like pumpkin pie, and this vegetable provides lots of fitness nutrition. Here are a few benefits of this picnic fun vegetable plus a cool smoothie recipe.

Benefits of Pumpkin

Immunity

Pumpkin gives a hefty dose of beta carotene, which is partially converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A can help the body from infections.

Some research shows that vitamin A is particularly important for strengthening the intestinal lining, making it more resistant to infections.

Vitamin C also plays a key role in immune health by strengthening the immune cells that respond when a pathogen is identified.

Eye health

There are a couple of ways in which pumpkin is good for your eyes.

First, it’s rich in beta carotene, which helps keep your vision sharp by helping the retina absorb light.

Second, the combination of other vitamins and minerals in pumpkin may protect against age-related macular degeneration.

One study found that people with age-related macular degeneration could slow its progression by taking supplements containing zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, or a combination of these.

While that study used a supplement, you can find all of these nutrients in pumpkin, although in smaller amounts.

Skin health

The antioxidants found in pumpkin are important for skin health. These include beta carotene and vitamins C and E.

Beta carotene, in particular, may protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Eating foods with beta carotene may also help improve the appearance and texture of your skin.

Vitamins C and E also have antioxidant properties. They’re often used as an ingredient in skin care products, but they may even help boost skin health when eaten. However, more research in humans is needed.

Pumpkin Fitness Smoothie

Ingredients

• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla 
• 2 medium ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt 
• 1/2 cup ice

Instructions

1. Gather the ingredients. Set aside two slices of bananas, if desired, to use as garnish.
2. Pour the ingredients into a blender in the following order: honey, vanilla extract, bananas, vanilla yogurt, and ice.
3. Blend, gradually increasing the speed until the mixture is smooth. Pour the drink into a chilled glass. Garnish each glass with a banana slice, if you prefer.
4. Picnic ready

Pumpkin Smoothie Super Fitness!