For me, fall always means loads of delicious apples and more importantly pumpkins. Whether you're a pumpkin spice latte fan or a pumpkin pie lover, this winter squash pops up in all sorts of forms in fall.

Sugary pumpkin lattes aside, eating pumpkin will boost your health in a variety of ways.

1. Pumpkins have loads of antioxidant-rich vitamin A. Pumpkins contain carotenoids, the pigments responsible for their hue, such as betacarotene, which the body converts to vitamin A and which work as a protective antioxidant for your body. We're not saying you can eat pumpkin pie to your heart's content to help you detox but a pumpkin soup might just do the trick!

2. Pumpkins have loads of fibre. Try eating a pumpkin puree version as it usually has a denser amount of fibre as it's boiled down.

3. Pumpkins are low-calorie. There are only 26 calories per 100 grams so it makes a great filling for pasta or baked goods when you want to cook a healthier version of a staple this season.

4. Pumpkins contain super healthy seeds. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and the antioxidant vitamin E in addition to phytonutrients. Add them to a salad or top your cereal with them.

5. Pumpkins are also good for your furry pets. That's right, pumpkin can help dogs and cats with digestive issues–just make sure it's a fresh, canned or pureed version and not anything sweet or baked.

And an interesting fact to note: Pumpkin rind has also been shown to have an antibiotic effect. Studies show that proteins from pumpkin rinds may inhibit the growth of microbes.

Pumpkin recipes to try:

A relative of the squash, this vegetable can make both sweet and savoury recipes.

Skip the canned stuff, we've got tips on how to make pumpkin puree from a real pumpkin.

Try this Thai Pumpkin Coconut Soup recipe.

Make your own pumpkin seeds at home.

Try these delicious pumpkin waffles.

Looking to make some gnocchi? Try this pumpkin gnocchi (pictured above) and go light on the butter for a delicious, antioxidant-rich fall feast.