Part of how it protects against such a large number of infections and diseases is because vitamin A reduces inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. While it has the ability to fight scary diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders, it can also help prevent the common cold and other infections. Vitamin A is also responsible for the immune-boosting power of butternut squash nutrition. Research suggests that the beta-carotene in this creamy fruit promotes immune responses and helps fight illness and disease. Boosts Immune System and Reduces InflammationĪren’t you glad butternut squash contains so much beta-carotene? You should be. However, dietary vitamin A isn’t toxic because your body absorbs and uses only what it needs, and research shows that maintaining healthy amounts is critical for immune health, healthy vision, cell development and more.Īnother beneficial antioxidant-related nutrient in butternut squash is manganese, which aids in the enzyme reactions of various antioxidants. One reason it’s important to get the recommended amount of vitamin A (and more) from your food, rather than supplements, is that vitamin A can be toxic when consumed in supplements in too high a quantity. These nutrients are fat-soluble antioxidants, meaning they’re most efficiently absorbed into the body when accompanied by fat sources, such as avocado or olive oil.īutternut squash is rich in vitamin A, a good source of the incredible antioxidants beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, which are linked to a reduction in inflammation and prevention of specific cancers. Researchers even recommend it as a high-antioxidant food that may be used in the medical community as a natural treatment for oxidative stress.Īntioxidants fall into various categories, and some found in butternut squash nutrition include three different carotenoids. 55.4 milligrams phosphorus (6 percent DV)Īlthough butternut squash has been around just over half a century, one of the most well-known benefits of butternut squash nutrition is its high antioxidant load.0.7 milligram pantothenic acid (7 percent DV).0.3 milligram vitamin B6 (13 percent DV).2.6 milligrams vitamin E (13 percent DV).59.4 milligrams magnesium (15 percent DV).582 milligrams potassium (17 percent DV).0.4 milligram manganese (18 percent DV).31 milligrams vitamin C (52 percent DV).22,869 international units vitamin A (457 percent DV).One cup of cubed, baked butternut squash (about 205 grams) contains approximately: This orange squash is a highly recommended ingredient for making soup, roasted butternut squash, stews and more nutritious recipes. In addition, it offers over half the recommended intake of vitamin C, an impressive list of other vitamins and minerals, and loads of dietary fiber. With over four times the recommended daily value of vitamin A in just one serving, it’s considered one of the top vitamin A foods. The incredible nutritional value of butternut squash is difficult to overstate, and butternut squash calories are very low considering how filling it can be. Try out some of my favorite butternut squash recipes to get some of the amazing benefits of butternut squash nutrition. Why should you add it to your diet? This winter squash has enough vitamin A in just one serving to cover your entire daily recommended dose, and butternut squash nutrition can help you lose weight, reduce inflammation and even avoid catching a cold.Īll of these reasons (and many more) are great reasons to incorporate butternut squash into your diet - and lest we forget, it also tastes great. Although it is botanically a fruit, it functions in food preparation more like a vegetable. In parts of the world like New Zealand and Australia, the squash is more commonly referred to as butternut pumpkin or gramma.Īll of the fruits in the Cucurbita family tend to be high in essential nutrients, and butternut squash nutrition is no different than its sisters, such as spaghetti squash and various gourd varieties. This creamy food hasn’t been around long, but it has quickly become an incredibly common (rightfully so!) part of many healthy diet routines thanks to all the wonderful things butternut squash nutrition provides.īutternut squash is part of the Cucurbita family of fruits, specifically known as one of the six varieties of Cucurbita moschata. Sometimes, the best foods are underrated, but that really shouldn’t be the case when it comes to butternut squash.
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