It’s officially fall, and I’m going bananas over pumpkins right now. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin pie blizzards, pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks; you name it I’m obsessing over it.  Simply the aroma of pumpkin pie baking in the kitchen is enough to send me over the edge. There is a valid reason for that, however. Well, at least for men.

According to Dr. Alan Hirsh, there is a significant connection between Thanksgiving and sex. The mere scent of pumpkin pie alone increases blood flow to a man’s penis by 40%, therefore increasing his sexual appetite. Just another reason for us women to learn how to bake, am I right, ladies?

But sexual stimulation is not the only benefit of this staple fall fruit (yes, it is a fruit). Pumpkins are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. And one cup of pumpkin will only dock you 50 points from your daily calorie intake. Also, pumpkin seeds are chock-full of protein, not to mention magically delicious.

Pumpkins can make us beautiful inside and out. Have you ever treated yourself to a pumpkin pudding facial? Let me explain. The pumpkin’s wonderful shade of orange comes from carotenoids, which are wrinkle fighting plant pigments that will neutralize free radicals in the skin. It looks like the fountain of youth has been in front of us all along.

Additionally, Healthy Sexy Hair created a line of pumpkin hair products that nourish and moisturize your hair using the natural antioxidants and enzymes from the pumpkin. Or perhaps you’re in the market for a new foot scrub? Try one that uses pumpkin for it’s exfoliating capabilities. I’ll exchange the stinky Ugg-foot smell for a pumpkin aroma any day.

Pumpkins are seducing me from head to foot this fall. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better than an additional flavor of coffee to spice up your morning commute, now you can bathe yourself in the stuff. Would you go as far as to say that pumpkins are the essence of perfection? Because I would.