Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is the most popular among winter squash varieties. Oftentimes, the squash is known as a large pear shaped golden-yellow pumpkin fruit, that is put for sale in the markets. Butternuts are annual long trailing vines. 

Butternut squash is part of the gourd family, including pumpkins, melons and cucumbers. Referred to as a winter squash, butternut offers a mild flavor along with a creamy texture that work well in soups and mashes. Butternut squash also has a nutritional punch that makes it an invaluable addition to any diet.

Butternut squash offers an abundance of vitamins and nutrients noted for preventing a wide variety of diseases. Its deep, golden color is really a sign that it is full of carotenes, an important antioxidant that will help reduce the risk of a quantity of life-threatening conditions. These winter squashes are simple to cook, making them a much more of appealing a part of a healthy diet.

Minerals

Butternut squash is really a source of calcium, with 8 percent from the RDA. One cup of the squash has more potassium than the usual banana with 582 mg. Potassium helps regulate the fluid and mineral balance within your body. Butternut squash also provides you with 15 % of the RDA for magnesium and 18 percent for manganese.

Fiber Benefits

Single serving of cooked, cubed squash has almost 7 g of fiber. The Institute of drugs recommends most adult women consume at least 25 g of fiber daily and men 38 g. Fiber helps regulate your digestive system and may contribute to lower cholesterol levels.

Weight Loss Potential

Butternut squash is low in calories, with only 82 calories per 1-cup serving, and possesses no fat. The fiber and water within the squash can help fill you up, while satisfying cravings for creamy, comfort foods. Possess the squash in lieu of mashed potatoes, which could contain more than 170 calories per cup.

Considerations

The squash's orange color indicates it's high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that can help with vision health and could reduce breast cancer risk, notes Whole Living. Butternut squash can be utilized in savory or sweet recipes so that as a replacement for pumpkin or sweet potato inside a pie. Butternut squash has a long shelf-life and will keep fresh for approximately three months after purchase inside a cool-dry place other than the refrigerator. Once cut and peeled, refrigerate the squash and employ within a week.