We know that eating the right types of food is essential for our health. Looking for the ideal power food to add to your diet? Butternut squash is it!
This delicious fall fruit (yes, it is technically a fruit) can be eaten simply by sautéeing it in light olive oil, or it can be added to a number of excellent recipes. However you choose to eat your butternut squash, just make sure that you add this healthy item to your diet. Need some help deciding how to prepare your butternut squash for the optimal power food item? Check out this recipe for Gingered Butternut Squash Pie by Whole Living.
Whether you put it in a main dish, add it to a side dish or use it as an ingredient in a dessert, butternut squash will yield healthy results since it is high in carotenoids, antioxidants, fiber and electrolytes. Here are five health benefits that’ll have you racing for your share.
5 Health Perks & Benefits of Butternut Squash:
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It is low in calories. One cup is only 36 calories; it’s cholesterol-free too!
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It’s vitamin rich, loaded with magnesium, vitamin A, fiber, folate, copper, riboflavin (vitamin B12), potassium and phosphorus. What does this all mean? The mighty squash provides electrolytes to help you balance out your fluids and gives your muscles more energy. Better yet, it helps process fats in the body to be used as energy.
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It helps prevents cancer. The gourd boasts very high levels of beta-carotene (which your body auto-converts to vitamin A), identified as a deterrent against breast cancer and age-related macular degeneration. It also contains a compound called cucurbitacin, a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepaprotector that has a potential component of cancer therapy medication.
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In only a one cup serving, you get nearly 52% of your daily requirement of antioxidant-rich vitamin C.
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It’s good for your eyes. As a great source of two powerful antioxidants known as zeaxanthin and lutein, it is especially great for protecting your vision and eliminating eye symptoms such as eyestrain, dry eyes and deteriorating vision.
Don’t wait any longer to use butternut squash in your next meal prep. Head to your local farmers’ market or grocery store and grab a few for your main course, side dish or tasty dessert.
Butternut squash facts sourced from Whole Living, Healthline, Never Mind the Bus Pass, Women’s Adventure Magazine and Publisher’s Weekly.
- Photo: Whole Living
