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The Health Benefits of the Squash
Squash is a vegetable that belongs to the curcurbita family. There are a few varieties of squash including hubbard squash, butternut squash, cushaw squash and acorn squash.
In the United States, squash is generally categorized into summer squash or winter squash. If harvested as mature vegetables, they are categorized as winter or autumn squashes; if they are harvested immature, they are categorized as summer squashes.
The squash is used in different culinary applications. Apart from using the flesh, the seeds can also be ground into paste, eaten raw or pressed for oil. The leaves, flowers and shoots of the squash plant are used in cooking or as greens for salad.
All varieties of squash are rich in nutrients including beta-carotene, iron, B vitamins, magnesium and potassium. These make the vegetable beneficial for human health.
Benefits of Squash
- Eating squash ensures protection from dehydration during the summer months as the vegetable has high water content.
- The beta-carotene in squash protects your skin and body from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
- The low calorie and carbohydrate content of squash makes it a staple food in most weight-loss diets. Squash provides dieters with the nutrients they need without piling on the calories.
- Some studies show that squash helps relieve symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Squash also contains coumarins, which are proven helpful in the treatment and prevention of some cardiovascular diseases like stroke and ischemic attacks. This is why increasing squash consumption could effectively supplement a health plan of medication, diet and exercise to fight and prevent heart disease.
Incorporate squash into your diet to enjoy all of its health benefits. When buying squash choose the ones that are firm and heavy for their size; these will not be dry and cottony inside. Choose squash that has bright and glossy skin without nicks and bruises.
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