What's GOOD About Butternut Squash?

So Much!! ​When you want to eat a little healthier during the cold, winter months, you often turn to warm and hearty vegetables. One of the best ones you can get this time of year is butternut squash. This is truly in season in the fall but is also great to have during the winter. Here are some reasons to have more butternut squash.

Amazing Nutrients
The first health benefit of butternut squash is the fact that it is a very nutrient-dense vegetable. This is why it often tops superfoods lists, as it is low in fat and calories, but amazing when you want something with a lot of vitamins and minerals. Even though it is higher in carbs, butternut squash is often used for ‘carb up’ days for diets like Keto. Here is the long list of nutrients you get with butternut squash:

• Protein
• Iron
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Thiamine
• B6
• Folate
• Pantothenic Acid
• Manganese
• Potassium

 
It is Truly Good for Your Bones
Now for the individual health benefits. The first benefit is the fact that it can help with your bones and joints. This is due to many of the vitamins and minerals in the squash, including whole food vitamin C and manganese, both of which help you to absorb more minerals and help with strengthening your bone structure. This is important at any age, but especially when you start getting older, as your bones and joints tend to struggle. With more butternut squash in your diet, you are helping to prevent against conditions like osteoporosis.

Reducing Your Blood Pressure
The problem with high blood pressure, also called hypertension, is that it goes unnoticed until something serious happens. When you have high blood pressure, you are at a much higher risk for heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. But there are very few symptoms of having it or if you do have symptoms they can be easily explained away or blamed on another issue you may be having. To reduce your blood pressure naturally and reduce your risk of these diseases, eat healthy foods that are full of fiber like butternut squash. Squash is easy to add to your meals in the winter, and has so many benefits for your heart health.  I would just like to add that because of the fiber it is good for your gut health as well.  You knew I had to throw something in there about the gut. :)

Gives Your Immune System a Boost
During the winter, you are at risk for illnesses and viruses like the cold and flu, not to mention more serious illnesses like pneumonia. To reduce your risk for such illnesses, you need to boost your immune system. This allows your body to fight off the infections and viruses. Butternut squash contains nutrients like vitamin C and beta carotene that are wonderful for boosting your immune health and hopefully keeping you healthy all winter long.