Pumpkin is a variety of squash that people often think of as a traditional Halloween decoration or a Thanksgiving pie filling. However, the flesh of the pumpkin plant provides a range of health benefits outside of popular festivities. Pumpkin is a plump, nutritious orange vegetable, and a highly nutrient dense food. It is low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals, all of which are also in its seeds, leaves, and juices. There are many ways to incorporate pumpkin into desserts, soups, salads, preserves, and even as a substitute for butter.