Butternut Squash Nutritious & Versatile
Butternut squash with a vibrant orange flesh or tan hard shelled skin, is a nutty sweet winter squash rich in flavor when cooked making it quite versatile. It is frequently roasted, added to soups, and puréed.
A good source of vitamins, butternut squash offers many benefits and is a nutritious addition to any meal.
Dense in Nutrients and low in calories, butternut squash is rich in Vitamin C, (helps with tissue repair, immune support, iron absorption, collagen formation), Vitamin A, (necessary for vision, tissue repair, cell growth), magnesium (bone health, muscle contraction, cardiovascular & gastrointestinal functions) potassium, an essential mineral & electrolyte important for nerve signals, and muscle contractions, especially the heart. Also rich in beta carotene (a red pigment found in plants & fruit), this antioxidant may benefit your brain, lung health, skin and eye health.
Considered high in fiber, supporting digestion and satiating, butternut squash helps manage blood sugar levels,(that is how quicky and how much a food raises your glucose levels after you eat). It’s glycemic response is lower than other starchy vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes.
So the next time you pick up a butternut squash, think of its versatility that can be used in a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes. From soups to stews, and salads to pasta, it’s naturally sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture make it a go to choice for many recipes.
Research Links
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38723828/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7914307/
Here are some delicious and interesting ways to add more butternut squash to your meals
1. Roasted- peeled and cut, add olive oil, sea salt, ground pepper and roast till tender
2. Soup- pureed with a rich creamy nutty flavor
Smell, Taste, Enjoy. Be Mindful of the Food You Eat