Pumpkin-flavored food gained its popularity towards the last quarter of the year. On September this year, Starbucks released their Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte. Dunkin Donuts then added Pumpkin and Reeses Peanut Butter Square to their fall menu. McDonald's then followed the trend and came out with Pumpkin and Crème Pie. Pumpkin maybe an extremely nutrient dense food- filled with vitamins and minerals with low calorie, but one expert says that pumpkin-flavored products may not be as nutritious as real pumpkin is.
According to Suzy Weems, a registered dietitian and professor of nutrition sciences at Baylor University's College of Health and Human Sciences, eating pumpkin-flavored food products is not equated to consuming real pumpkin and getting the health benefits coming from it. Weems says, "When you eat something with "pumpkin seasoning, or pumpkin flavoring, or pumpkin whatever, you are not getting the full benefit of the vegetable."
Real Pumpkin, according to a 2009 study released in Clinics in Dermatology journal, is rich with fiber, which makes one stay full longer. Pumpkins are also comprised of zeaxanthin, a nutrient beneficial for one's eyes. And since pumpkin is low in cholesterol and high in vitamin A, it is also good for the skin, said Weems.
One important element Pumpkin contains is magnesium which helps in proper nerve function, heartbeat, muscle contraction and bone health. It also aids in the body's bone development and regulates metabolism, according to Oregon State University.
When talking about pumpkin desserts however, Weems encouraged that a person should check if they are made out of real pumpkin fruit and not just flavoring. Weems, when talking about pumpkin pies, said, "That is generally made with the meat of the pumpkin. It is different from just getting a pumpkin-flavored latte." She explained that placing pumpkin flavor to a high- calorie food wouldn't take away its calories. "A pumpkin latte is not going to mean any fewer calories if it's made with a full-fat milk or syrup. And pumpkin doughnuts still have sugar," Weems stated.
