Squash Health Benefits

There are a great variety of squash on the markets to go around. Some of the most available summer squash varieties are: Green Zucchini, Scallop, Pattypan, Gooseneck, Straightneck. Whatever you choose rest assured that squash has some benefits for your health. After all, squash is a vegetable low in calories and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive functional compunds. More especifically squash is rich in calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, vitamin C, various vitamins of the B complex, vitamin K, etc. Something to bear in mind is that the most nutrient rich part of summer squash varieties is the skin, so you will have to eat the skin to reap the full health benefits of squash. To do that you will need to cook well the squash so the skin is softer and easy to masticate and swallow.

During winter there is also plenty of squash to choose from. The following varieties are available during winter: Butternut squash, Spaghetti Squash, Banana Squash, Buttercup squash, Hubbard squash, Turban suash and of course my favorite squash: Pumpkin.

All the mentioned winter squashs varieties are rich in beta-carotene known to have pretty important functions in our bodies such as acting as an eye protector and for being a very strong antioxidant that prevents the bad effects of free radicals. Also, these winter squash varieties are rich in vitamin C, vitamins of the B complex, and minerals such as manganese and potassium.

Some ways to eat any variety of squash are steamed, cooked, baked, or even roasted in your barbecue. Squash is an excellent adition for your weeked barbecue as a side dish for those wonderful burgers or steaks. Also, as you probably know you can make some desserts with squash such as the famous and so much eaten Pumpkin pie.

According to everynutrient.com diets that are rich in carotenes (a key component of squashs) offer protection against cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown that pumpkin seeds are helpful in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Also, everynutrient.com mentions that “Studies have shown that juice made from summer squash is equal to juice made from pumpkins, leeks, and radishes in their ability to prevent cell mutations”

Here is a guide to wonderful recipes with squash: Vegetable Recipes

Please understand that the information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on this or any article on Associated content.com. Always check with your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be recommended by your doctor before use.

Sources:

everynutrient.com

http://home.howstuffworks.com/summer-squash4.htm