It’s prime pumpkin season, and autumn’s signature squash is versatile enough to fit into just about any meal you can cook. It also packs some powerfully healthy perks – it’s good for your heart, eyes and keeping waistlines in check.

Just half a cup of orange goodness provides your daily intake of Vitamin A, which aids eyesight. It also contains lots of fibre, the antioxidant beta-carotene (which helps prevents cancer) and can help keep your skin wrinkle-free! Containing plenty of potassium, pumpkins are ideal for post work out recovery. They also contain a heap of Vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system.

Pumpkin seeds are also good for you. They’re full of a plant-based chemical called phytosterols, which has been shown to reduce “bad” cholesterol. The seeds also contain tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, a major mood enhancer, which can help you feel happy and motivated.

So pumpkins help with your eyesight, prevent cancer and wrinkles, have heaps of potassium and vitamin C, reduce cholesterol and help your overall mental health. Talk about a superfood!

So don’t wait for Halloween before you hollow out a pumpkin, get down to your fresh veg shop today and try out some of our great pumpkin recipes: Thai Red Curry Pumpkin Soup, Thai Egg Custard-Filled Pumpkin and Vegetarian Thai Curry Tray Bake.