Squash is a versatile vegetable that is popular to grow and can be eaten all year round. It is easy to grow, and is a staple in many fall dishes.
Squash contains many nutrients and vitamins, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. The antioxidants in squash have been shown to help prevent heart disease, several types of cancer, and other diseases related to aging.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of this delicious vegetable, keep reading to discover the most significant health benefits of squash.
Squash Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a type of nutrient that helps the body fight free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases. Squash is an excellent source of antioxidants, including beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. Your body converts beta carotene into vitamin A in small amounts as needed. For example, your body converts about 25 percent of the beta-carotene in squash into vitamin A within eight hours after you eat it.
Squash is a Rich Source of Carotenoids
Squash is a rich source of carotenoids, which are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their red, orange, and yellow colors. Carotenoids also occur in dark leafy greens, apricots, broccoli, mangoes, and sweet potatoes.
In addition to protecting against cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers by acting as antioxidants—neutralizing free radicals—carotenoids may help to prevent skin damage from the sun. They can also aid in fighting off certain infections.
Squash Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The beta carotene in squash is converted by the body into vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules that can cause oxidative stress and cell damage, which has been linked to the development of cancer. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin A reduces inflammation in the body.
In addition, squash contains significant amounts of vitamin C. This antioxidant also helps prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals, as well as helping to boost immunity and reduce inflammation in your body.
Squash is High in Fiber
Squash is a great source of dietary fiber. A cup of cooked spaghetti squash has about 3 grams of fiber, which is important for overall health and can help to lower cholesterol levels.
Soluble fiber may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes by helping slow down the absorption of sugar from your bloodstream into your body’s cells. It may also lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels while raising “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, consuming foods with soluble fiber may help control blood sugar levels because it slows down how fast carbohydrates enter your bloodstream after eating them. This effect appears even if those carbohydrates are eaten on their own without other types of food that contain soluble fiber.
Soluble fibers found in squash can bind toxins found in our environment, such as many pesticides used today. This helps remove these harmful substances from our bodies.
Squash is High in Vitamins
Squash contains significant levels of vitamins A, B and C. Vitamin A is good for your eyes, while vitamin B can help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables and is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. It also helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
Squash Helps With Diabetes Management
If you’re diabetic, this vegetable may be an excellent addition to your diet. It has a low glycemic index and is packed with fiber, both of which help lower blood sugar levels. The vitamin A and C in squash, as well as magnesium and potassium, are all nutrients that are essential for healthy blood glucose levels.
Squash can help with weight loss or maintenance because it’s filling yet low in calories. Its high water content means that the calories in squash are virtually all from carbohydrates, with low levels of fat. Due to the fact that squash is so rich in soluble fiber, it keeps you feeling full longer than other types of food.
Squash Contributes to Healthy Skin and Nails
The high levels of vitamin C in squash helps to protect skin against sun damage. It can also help keep your skin looking youthful by fighting wrinkles, preventing skin cancer, and keeping your complexion bright.
Squash helps to balance your skin’s pH and keep it slightly acidic in order to keep bacteria from producing acne or other imperfections. Beta carotene also helps to prevent wrinkles and keep skin clear.
Health Benefits of Squash: Final Thoughts
Squash is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s packed with antioxidants, carotenoids, vitamins A and C, fiber, and more. All of these nutrients have been linked to a variety of health benefits including managing diabetes and keeping your skin looking youthful.
As you enjoy fresh squash and other produce, download the Lil’ broc app in order to track and monitor the shelf life of your produce and ensure that it is all eaten while fresh.