Fall is here, and squash is in! As the weather cools, we start to see all different types of colorful squash. Some of our favorites include butternut squash, acorn squash, banana squash, and spaghetti squash. They’re affordable, easy to make, and provide tons of nutrition. It goes without saying that we LIVE for the nutritional benefits of squash.
Low in Calories:
1 cup of cooked butternut squash provides just 82 calories, making it the perfect addition to your plate. It also contains zero fat, and is very low in sugar and sodium.
Ridiculously Rich in Vitamin A:
Are you ready for this? One cup of cooked squash provides an astounding 457% of vitamin A needed per day. We need vitamin A for immune function, the vision cycle, reproduction and communication between cells.
Rich in Vitamin C:
One cup of butternut squash contains 52% of Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays major roles in immunity function, cardiovascular function, and collagen synthesis.
Excellent Source of Anti-Oxidants:
Squash is abundant in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals. It’s high beta-carotene content has shown to have protective effects against cancer.
Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Squash is also a good source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that offer a wide variety of health benefits. They have been shown to reduce the risk of various cardiovascular disease outcomes such as sudden death and heart attack.
Alena says
Great info! I had no idea squash was a source of omega-3s.