It’s pumpkin season tartelettes! And while you’re indulging in pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin muffins, seeds and jack-o’-lanterns, take a moment to reflect on not just how tasty this gourd-like squash is, but it’s good-for-you qualities as well.  Here, our (healthy) top five reasons to love pumpkin:

1. They’re chock full of antioxidants and carotenoids. Both are good for your mind and body, and amazing for your skin.

2.  Pumpkins are packed with a protein that stabilizes blood sugar — a key factor to losing and maintaining weight.

3. They are alkalizing to the body’s pH, which boosts your immune system and can help prevent cancer.

4. A little pumpkin can make you happy. Really — they’re full of an amino acid called tryptophan, which supports the production of serotonin, which, in turn, influences your mood – in a really good way.

5. They just taste good!