Acorn Squash Health Benefits And Nutrition Facts

Acorn squash is a winter squash with green longitudinal ridges on the exterior with sweet yellow orange flesh on the interior. The flesh may vary from white to orange with an appealing look and slightly nutty flavor that can be a great addition to sweet and savoury dishes. Even though it is considered as a winter squash, it belongs to the family of summer squash as zucchini. It is about seven inches long and may weigh about one to two pounds. The new variety of acorn squash is introduced with an attractive yellow color, thus got its name golden acorn. It is not only delicious but has impressive health benefits.

Origin

The origin of the plant is North and central America, which is then spread to many other countries. The seeds are directly sown into the soil with the 2m spacing and 1 inch deep. After about 85 days of germination, the acorn squashes are harvested. The picked fruits will undergo the process of curing to for a longer use. Choose the acorn squash with a smooth exterior which does not have the soft spots. The dry green rind with no crack or soft spot will give you full sweetness.

Acorn squash are considered as the vegetable even though it is a fruit. Like all high carbohydrate vegetables like potato, sweet potato and butternut squash, the acorn squash can be incorporated into many dishes. This versatile vegetable can be baked, roasted or cooked in a microwave to add to your dishes.

Nutrition Facts of Acorn squash

Acorn squash is a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The highly nutritious fruit is particularly high in Vitamin C. It provides 37% of daily value of Vitamin C. It also contains many other nutrients like iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, fiber, protein and carbohydrate to provide us health. The Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Provitamin A and Vitamin B9 will help to promote your overall health.

Benefits of Acorn squash

Acorn squash with high nutritional value will promote our health in various ways. Since it is a low calorie fruit and gives a filling food, it helps to promote weight loss. The high water soluble nutrient in the immune system protects against potentially harmful microbes. Acorn squash providing the good source of fiber will help in digestion, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol level. The antioxidants present in the fruit protect us against cellular damage, thus in turn reduces the risk of various prolonged diseases including heart diseases and certain types of cancer. Acorn squash has the plant pigment called carotenoids including beta carotene, alpha carotene and Zeaxanthin which protects you from type 2 diabetes, lung cancer, mental decline and eye-related problems.

The health promoting properties of acorn squash will be increased when added to your diet regularly. The vegetable rich diet helps you to promote your overall health. It maintains blood pressure, cholesterol level and lowers the risk of heart diseases. This vegetable when added to your diet may help to prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s diseases and extends our life span.