Winter Squash
What is a winter squash?
Harvested in the winter and late fall
Butternut, delicata, spaghetti, kabocha, hubbard, acorn, sweet dumpling, and sugar pumpkins
Health benefits of winter squash
Nutrient dense food, rich in
Carotenoids
Protein
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Fiber
Magnesium
Potassium
Calcium
Vitamin A
Iron
Phosphorus
Some cultures use winter squash to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, high cholesterol, and inflammation
May help manage diabetes
It is a dense, filling food, low in calories only 45-90 calories per cup cooked
Has a low glycemic index and load.
Butternut squash has almost half the amount of carbohydrate of a sweet potato.
Contains polysaccharides, a type of indigestible fiber that can prevent blood sugar from rising after eating.
May have anti-cancer properties
Certain compounds such as beta-carotene and lutein, flavonoids that may help to protect human cells from the damaging effects of oxygen and inhibiting cancer cell growth.
Promotes heart health and low blood pressure
Rich in potassium, 500 mg in 1 cup of cooked butternut or acorn squash, helps counteract the effects of sodium on blood pressure.
High fiber intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
May reduce stroke risk
Provides skin and hair nutrients
Vitamin A promotes healthly hair and skin
Vitamin C builds and maintain collagen which provides health structure to finger nails, skin and hair
Helps gut and digestive health
High in fiber which helps reduce constipation, decreases inflammation, and improves the body’s immune function
Promotes healthily gut bacteria
Health Risks of winter squash
½ pound of winter squash contains 582 mg of potassium
Beta-blockers are a type of medication commonly prescribed for people with heart disease. These can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood. This risk is the same for other medications for heart failure, such as ACE inhibitors and diuretics.
People with kidney problems should take care when consuming large amounts of potassium. If the kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium from the blood, it could be fatal.
Check with your doctor if you take these medications or conditions