Butternut Squash Health Benefits

Butternut squash is one of the most popular of the winter squashes.Butternut squash resembles a cream-colored elongated bell that's described as tasting sweet, nutty and a little like a sweet potato. Unlike other winter squash, butternut’s skin is thin and easy to peel, but it can also simply be cut in half and roasted with the skin intact. 

The butternut plant is monoecious as in pumpkins, and feature different male and female flowers that require honeybees for effective pollination. Butternut, in-fact, is the most common among winter squash fruits.

Carotenoids

You may think of vitamin A as a single nutrient, but the term refers to two groups of substances: retinoids and carotenoids. Butternut squash is one of the best sources of four carotenoids: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. 

Benefit for 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 brain.

Anti-oxidants

Butternut squash contains many vital poly-phenolic anti-oxidants and vitamins. Similar to other Cucurbitaceae members, this too is one of the low-calorie vegetables, which provides just 45 calories per 100 g. It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; however, is rich source of dietary fiber and phyto-nutrients. Squash is one of the common vegetables that often recommended by dieticians in the cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.


Vitamins

Along with the above, butternut squash is also a great source of some essential vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to stay healthy. At the top of the list is vitamin A, a nutritional element that helps with eye function. Butternut squash is also a major source of other vitamins like vitamin C, a classic antioxidant, as well as vitamins E and B6, and other nutrients like thiamin and riboflavin. 


Fiber

Butternut squash contains soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to digested food, which helps it travel through the digestive tract and prevents constipation.