8 reasons to eat SQUASH

1 IMPROVES EYE AND SKIN HEALTH

Squash contains 6% of the required dietary intake (RDI) of vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision and helps to repair cellular damage to skin.

2 HIGH IN VITAMIN C

The high levels of vitamin C found in squash (9% of the RDI) help to fight free radicals in the body, support the immune system and are important for collagen production – good for wound healing and skin repair.

3 FIGHTS FREE RADICALS

Cigarette smoke, sunlight, severe stress and lack of sleep can all generate free radicals, which play a significant role in chronic illness. Squash is a good source of antioxidants, which help to neutralise free radicals and reduce damage to your cells. Research shows that antioxidants help prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

4 PROMOTES BONE HEALTH

Squash is high in calcium, which decreases the risk of osteoporosis and aids in stimulating muscles and nerves. One cup of cooked squash has 3% of the RDI, which is three times more than regular pasta. Manganese, also found in squash, contributes to healthy bone structure, boosts bone metabolism and prevents osteoporosis.

5 GOOD FOR DIGESTIVE HEALTH

One cup of squash contains 2.2g of fibre, (9% of your daily fibre needs). High fibre intake improves digestive health and is beneficial in treating conditions such as diverticulitis, intestinal ulcers, haemorrhoids and gastroesophageal disease. Two servings of spaghetti squash with other fibre-rich foods maintain a healthy digestive system. Fibre also keeps you fuller for longer.

6 REDUCES INFLAMMATION

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in squash are good for combating inflammation.

7 HELPS TO STABILISE BLOOD SUGAR

Because squash has a low Glycaemic Index (GI) of less than 20, it helps prevent blood sugar spikes. It also contains non-digestible polysaccharide, which helps prevent blood sugar from rising after eating. In a 2017 study, mice were put on a high-fat diet and fed a pumpkin polysaccharide extract for six months. The mice showed an improvement in blood sugar stability and a decrease in insulin resistance.

8 INHIBITS GROWTH OF CANCER CELLS

Beta-carotene and lutein, collectively known as flavonoids, are antioxidants found in squash. Research shows flavonoids inhibit cancer cell growth.