I have a pretty good sized acorn squash ripening in my garden right now and I cannot wait to eat it. Not only do acorn squash taste really great, but they are super healthy too. You know that eating a low calorie diet and nutrient dense foods is good for warding off a whole host of health problems, as well as keeping your weight in check. Well, squash of any type is a great choice for anyone. Check out all the health benefits you can get from eating one. You won’t believe how healthy they are! The following data is courtesy of the USDA and applies to baked acorn squash without any added salt.
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1. Low in Calories
When you are watching your weight, it’s important to choose foods that are low in calories, which makes acorn squash a great choice. One cup contains just over 100 calories, which means you can fill up without filling out. By choosing foods that are filling but low in calories, you can easily satisfy your appetite without compromising your health goals.
2. Low in Fat
While the balance of calories in versus calories out is the best way to lose weight, eating a diet low in fat is also a good way to stay healthy. Too much fat leads to weight gain and raises the risk of several health problems, including heart disease. If you are watching your fat intake, choosing acorn squash is a good idea because it has only about of a gram of fat per one cup serving.
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3. Fiber
Fiber is a pretty important nutrient for many reasons. Fiber is great for appetite control because it bulks up in your tummy and leaves you feeling full for longer periods of time. As if that’s not enough, fiber also helps prevent heart disease by helping your body get rid of excess cholesterol. It also promotes healthy digestion and keeps your bowel function humming along like it should. A cup of acorn squash weighs in with 9 grams of fiber.
4. Potassium
With nearly 900 milligrams per cup, acorn squash is a great way to help meet your daily potassium needs. Potassium is a nutrient that plays a role in your blood pressure, so being deficient can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and even a heart attack if it gets really low. The condition isn’t super common, but it pays to be sure you’re getting enough.
5. Vitamin C
When you get enough vitamin C, your body is able to effectively fight off several health problems. That’s because it plays a role in healthy immunity. Getting enough vitamin C can ward off anything from the common cold to cancer. That’s because vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which is a nutrient that fights free radical damage and protects your health.
6. B Vitamins
There are several B vitamins and acorn squash contains varying amounts of many of them. B vitamins help convert the foods you eat into energy and many play other roles in your health as well. For example, folate helps prevent neural tube defects while B6 helps keep you from developing anemia. Acorn squash won’t satisfy all of your B vitamin needs, but it certainly contributes.
7. Vitamin a
Vitamin A is another antioxidant that helps keep you healthy. It also supports a healthy immune system and promotes healthy gums and teeth. Fortunately for people who love acorn squash, you can get almost 900 IU of this nutrient from a single cup of the vegetable.
Did you know that acorn squash is so healthy? It’s always nice to find out that a favorite food is really good for you. What’s your favorite way to prepare acorn squash?
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