A pumpkin is a Halloween staple, but one expert tells News 12 that it is also has nutritional benefits.

"It has a ton of health benefits, and they are extremely nutrient-dense," says Alexandra Kaplan-Corwin, a registered dietician and nutritionist at Montefiore Medical Center. "They have protein, fiber and that helps keep you full which can help promote weight loss."

She says another great benefit of pumpkin is tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin which can boost your mood and relax you.

The seeds, which are loaded with fiber, can be roasted and sprinkled on a mixture of foods.



Not all pumpkin-inspired creations are beneficial to your waistline.

She says pumpkin spice latte can contains 400 calories, so it's important to beware of those types of sweets.