One of the most versatile and delicious vegetables in the world is squash. Squash is also rich in medicinal benefits, making it undeniably amazing!
Some varieties of squash have the ability to improve your sight, strengthen your immune system, boost your skin health, manage the symptoms of diabetes, prevent the risk of cancer, boost cardiovascular health and much more. If you want to know more, read on!
What is Squash?
Squash, also known as buttercup, turban or Hubbard belongs to the pumpkin family and is technically a fruit because it contains seeds. Squash is one of the largest vegetable groups and oldest urbane crops on earth, with archaeological data tracing its origin to Mesoamerica, 10,000 years ago. When it comes to the culinary applications, squash is exceptionally flexible. It makes a great addition to salads, but you can also cook or bake it. Its seeds are edible and even have their own uses, primarily making a good oil extract. Finally, the tendrils and shoots of the plant are also great to incorporate into salads.
Nutritional Value of Squash
The amazing health benefits of squash comes from the vegetable’s organic compounds, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. As we know, it’s very rich in vitamin A, essential for good vision. It also contains vitamin E, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, thiamin and folate.
In terms of its mineral content, squash has magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper, phosphorus, iron and calcium. Furthermore, it is a good source of carotenoids and other significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Probable Side Effects of Overeating Squash
Hypoglycemia. Though the vegetable is effective in controlling diabetes, it’s still better to use moderation, since it can reduce your blood sugar to a dangerously low level.
Weight gain. Even though squash is a good staple if you are trying to lose weight, you should eat it in moderation, and avoid adding it to smoothies because they tend to have added sugar in them, which will cause you to gain weight instead of losing it.
Hypertension. Eating excessive amounts of squash may lead to lower blood pressure, but it can also lead to the reverse depending on how much you eat and how your body reacts to it.
Poor digestive effects. The dietary fiber in squash might cause some digestive side effects such as abdominal pain, malabsorption of foods, indigestion, bloating and more.
Health Benefits of Squash
Here are some of the nutritional health benefits of squash:
Has antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. The natural immune-boosting power of squash is good for general illnesses, but certain toxins and other factors may cause some serious illnesses. The seeds of the vegetable may help protect the body from various diseases.
Helps boost immunity. Squash is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium and other antioxidant compounds. These help the body neutralize the effects of free radicals.
Improves cardiovascular health. Potassium and magnesium are present in squash. Combined, they create a very effective defense against cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, squash helps with the oxygenation of organ systems.
Anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of squash are thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, the lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene also help relieve inflammation.
Combats diabetes. The best way to manage the symptoms of diabetes is to regulate the body’s metabolism of sugar. Good thing there’s squash! The vitamin B-complex in the vegetable is essential in combatting the risk of diabetes.
Conclusion
The nutritional health benefits of squash are truly amazing, boosting the immune system, cardiovascular system and various other organ systems. So, what are you waiting for? Eating squash will make a big difference to your overall health!
