Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

 

I’m a pumpkin fanatic. I stock up on plain canned pumpkin puree the second it hits the shelves at the end of the summer because I use it year-round in these muffins, these donuts, and in this Pumpkin Spice Smoothie. To be honest, my children think I have a “pumpkin problem.” I wonder if that’s because I get nervous if I have any less than 10 cans in the house at a time? Oh well, I suppose I could have bigger things to worry about!

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Did you know?

Technically, pumpkins are a fruit!

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Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice Smoothie 

I love the taste of pumpkin, but I also love the nutrition it offers, including the following:

• Beta carotene, a plant compound that protects cells, gets converted to vitamin A in the body, and supports eye and skin health.

 

• Potassium, a mineral that helps to keep blood pressure in check and regulate heart beat, among other functions. 

 

• Fiber, which supports gut health and helps to stabilize blood glucose levels. You’d have to eat a entire cup of raw kale to get the fiber found in 1/2 cup of plain canned pumpkin puree, the amount used in Pumpkin Spice Smoothie. 

Pumpkin isn’t the only wonderful ingredient in this smoothie. When paired with milk, this delicious drink supplies 8 grams of protein, 4 grams fiber, vitamin D, and about one-third of the calcium you need in a day, and all for under 200 calories.

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Did you know? 

Eating more fruits and veggies helps lower breast cancer risk

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