It’s my belief that any dessert eaten at the right time and in the right way is perfectly healthy, but there’s one holiday treat that boasts legit health benefits – any day, any time. It’s energizing, satisfying, and leaves you in that happy-healthy afterglow that feels oh-so-good. I might even classify this one as a superfood. Heck, my Mom it for breakfast sometimes, and she’s one of the healthiest people I know.
Drumroll, the superhero-of-a-holiday-dessert is…
Pumpkin Pie!
Yep.
Why?
1. Pumpkin contains a lot of healthy fiber that leaves you feeling satisfied, stabilizes blood sugar, and keeps your digestive system happy.
Bonus: Fiber is key to weight loss.
2. Just like carrots, pumpkins greatly support healthy vision. Can’t go wrong with orange vegetables – so vibrant, so good for you.
3. Rich in tryptophan, pumpkin means a happy mood and deep, restorative sleep.
4. The carotenoids in pumpkin keep your skin firm and glowing.
5. Pumpkin contain a high level of vitamin C, boosting your immune system and keeping winter colds away.
Obviously, pumpkin pie contains sugar, but all of these great health benefits – and especially the fiber – stabilize the sugar, causing it to release more slowly in your blood sugar, rather than triggering a major spike and crash in blood sugar levels. If you’re going to reach for a holiday dessert, pumpkin pie is your best bet.
So, what are you waiting for?
Check out my favorite recipes below and let me know which one you try.
Pro tip: Any time you see sugar in a recipe, substitute an equal measurement of coconut palm sugar. It releases in the blood much more slowly and contains vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium. How cool is that?
Paleo Pumpkin Pie
What’s your favorite holiday dessert? Do you love pumpkin pie? Will you indulge more freely now that you know it boasts some serious benefits?
Tell me in the comments below.
Photos: Jake Freeman
Great blog! I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks a lot for posting!
Thanks so much! Glad you liked it.