Here's Why Squash Rocks
Squashes, one of the oldest known crops cultivated in the Americas, squash is available in several varieties, including buttercup, Hubbard, winter pumpkins, butternuts, cushaw, zucchini, yellow squash and courgette, among many others. Squash is a long-storing vegetable so many like it for that. Not to mention, it can often be pretty cheap compared to other veggies. But there are as many reasons to love these powerhouses as there are types of squash! They're packed with vitamins and minerals. What’s more, they are extremely low in calories, which makes them a great addition to any healthy diet. But here is the best part: Regular consumption of squash provides incredible health benefits. Let's take a look.
Diabetes Management
When you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to follow a diet that helps improve your blood glucose levels. This can be achieved by eating more non-starchy vegetables, such as green beans, spinach and yes, yellow squash. But why squash in particular? Squash contains Cucurbita ficifolia, which has been proven to decrease blood sugar levels. How great is that?
Immunity-Boosting
Loaded with vitamin C, magnesium and antioxidants, squash has the power to boost immunity. Research has shown that antioxidants stabilize free radicals, potentially harmful molecules in the body and protect the structural integrity of cells and tissues, including those responsible for immunity. In short, antioxidants protect and restore the immune system and squash is loaded with them.
Improves Lung Health
Squash is a great source of vitamin A, which has been linked with lung health. Not only does vitamin A deficiency contribute to many lung conditions, but the presence of vitamin A is also vital for early lung development as well as tissue maintenance and regeneration. Moreover, squash contains beta-cryptoxanthin, which is believed to reduce the occurrence of lung cancer. A single serving of squash can contain more than 400% of the daily recommended requirement for vitamin A. As a former smoker who tries not to worry about lung cancer, this seemed like a pretty good reason to chow down on these beauties.
Improves Vision
Vitamin A is also essential for good eye health. It protects the cornea, reduces inflammation and wards off the likelihood of progressive eye diseases, such as macular degeneration. While vitamin A deficiencies are rare, it can cause dry eyes, corneal ulcers, retinal damage and vision loss. As mentioned, squash is a great source of vitamin A.
Protects the Heart
Potassium and magnesium are essential for heart health and function, and squash contains both. Low levels of dietary potassium has been linked with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Optimal levels, however, have been linked with reduced plaque buildup, which increases blood flow and reduces the chances of heart attack and stroke.
Since a wide variety of squashes are available year-round, they can be pretty easily incorporated into a healthy diet. In addition to eating them raw, it's pretty easy to add squash into numerous delicious dishes. It hides well in spaghetti as either a sauce additive or made into noodles. Adding squash to soups and pastas brings an added buttery flavor, but it's also possible to include squash in everything from salad to pie and brownies. And who doesn’t love pie and brownies?
Related Keywords
