Winter Squash Benefits in Winter, Amazing Health Benefits of Winter Squash

Amazing Health Benefits of Winter Squash 

Squash has a reputation for fiber. Eating squash is particularly satisfying, because the bulk fills you up, allowing you to forgo second helpings. 
Because squash is actually the fruit of various members of the gourd family, it comes in a wide array of colors and sizes. Whether it's tasty summer squash or sweet, flavorful winter squash, this vegetable is a great addition to any healthy diet.

1.  Cancer can’t

grow if it can’t oxidize. That’s why the big deal about antioxidant rich foods is well supported by lots of scientific research. Beta-carotene found in squash is especially important in preventing colon cancer, which is the perfect segue to my favorite subject…

2.Winter squashes contain pectin in their cell walls,

a polysaccharide that typically contains chains of D-galacturonic acids. These components in the squash have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as properties that assist in warding off diabetes and regulating insulin levels. The carb content of winter squash comes from these polysaccharides found within it, thus making the carbs you receive from the squash much healthier than carbs you would get from bread products or processed foods.

3. Eye Health

It may be hard to believe, but a single serving of squash can contain more than 400% of your daily requirement for vitamin A, due to the massive amounts of beta-carotene that are found in squash.  Beta-carotene can actually be split by an enzyme to form vitamin-A, but the body will only convert as much as is necessary. In other words, eating squash will give you body all the vitamin A it needs, with plenty of beta-carotene to spare. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant compound that is essential for good eye health. High levels of beta-carotene have been connected with reduced chances of macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision issues.

4.Nutritional Value of Squash

The impressive health benefits of squash are derived from the organic compounds, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they contain. This list includes a huge amount of vitamin A, as well as significant amounts of vitamins C, E, B6, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, and folate. In terms of minerals, squash contain magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, phosphorous, calcium, and iron. They are also a very good source of carotenoids and other important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Let’s explore how these components impact human health, and what benefits can be enjoyed by adding squash to our diet!

5.Managing Diabetes

 Proper, regulated metabolism of sugar in the body is the best way to manage the symptoms of diabetes, a disease which afflicts millions of people all around the world. Squash is a great source of B-complex vitamins, all of which are essential in that metabolic activity. Furthermore, certain types of squash contain good amounts of dietary fiber, including the polysaccharide known as pectin. Pectin is an essential element in blood sugar regulation throughout the body, making sure that the insulin and glucose activities within the body remain constant and smooth. This ensures proper function of different organ systems, and a reduction in the plunges and peaks that can make diabetic life so difficult.

6.Heart Health

Butternut squash seeds are a good source of dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids that benefit for heart health. In addition, they are rich in protein, minerals, and numerous health-benefiting vitamins. The seeds are an excellent source of health promoting amino acid, tryptophan. Tryptophan converts to health benefiting GABA neuro-chemical in the human brain.

7.Bone Health

The high levels of essential vitamins found within squash make it a very important part of developing bone matter and bone mineral density. Squash is a valuable source of zinc, calcium, manganese, and other very important trace elements. This can help reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis as you age, and ensure strength and durability for your bones.