The Many Gifts of Pumpkin — In Every Sense of the Word

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, one humble hero takes center stage in kitchens, porches, and hearts alike: the pumpkin. Whether used for décor with many varieties of color or baked into velvety pies, pumpkins are more than just a seasonal treat, they’re a powerhouse of nutrition, a symbol of comfort, and for many of us, a term of endearment.

Nutritional Gold Wrapped in Orange (and other colors too!)

Pumpkins are low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your plate:

• Vitamin A Boost: Thanks to their high beta-carotene content, pumpkins support eye health and immune function.

• Heart-Friendly: The fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C in pumpkins contribute to cardiovascular health.

• Weight Management: With their high fiber, high water content gives pumpkins a low-calorie profile (in its pure form), helping you feel full longer — a win for anyone watching their weight.

• Glucose Management: Pumpkins can help support balanced blood glucose levels when eaten in their pure form (no sweeteners added). Their high fiber content slows the absorption of carbohydrates, which helps prevent sudden spikes and crashes in blood sugar. Plus, their low glycemic load means they have a minimal impact on blood glucose when consumed in typical serving sizes.

• Skin Glow-Up: Antioxidants like vitamin C and E help protect your skin and keep you looking youthful.

• Digestive Aid: Thanks to their high fiber content, pumpkins can help regulate bowel movements and relieve flatulence (gas) and mild constipation naturally — making this autumn favorite as soothing for the gut as it is for the soul.

• Mood and Sleep Support: Pumpkin seeds are rich in tryptophan, which helps produce serotonin — the feel-good neurotransmitter — and melatonin for better sleep.

Pumpkin – A Term of Endearment

Beyond its nutritional value, “pumpkin” has long been used as a sweet nickname — a cozy, affectionate way to express love. Pumpkins are soft, round, and warm. Calling someone “pumpkin” is like wrapping them in a verbal hug.

In our family, the word “pumpkin” carries even deeper meaning.

Our daughter, Dawn Ashlee, had many terms of endearment — each one a reflection of the unique bond she shared with those who loved her. I’ll share them all in a poem Marty wrote the first Christmas after she passed, in a future blog (be looking for it around Christmas time). But one nickname stands out today: her Uncle Bruce affectionately called her “Pumpkin Head.” It was playful, loving, and affectionate.

Everyone had to have their own special name for Dawn. It was as if her winsome personality invited personalized love — and returned it tenfold.

This season, as you eat your pumpkin parfait or scoop out seeds for roasting, remember that pumpkins nourish more than just the body. They nourish the soul — and sometimes, they carry the weight of a memory, a smile, or a nickname that lives on.