Butternut squash

Butternut squash is one of the most common varieties of winter squash. It also offers a good supply of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.

Contrary to the name, winter squash is grown in the summer and harvested in the fall.

Its thick, tough exterior and firm flesh make it suitable for storing over several months. This means it can be eaten during the winter season.

This is one of a collection of articles on the health benefits of popular foods.

Fast facts about butternut squash
Here are some key points about butternut squash. More detail is in the main article.

Butternut squash, or winter squash, is harvested in the fall but it keeps well for several months.
It is a good source of fiber, potassium, and several other key nutrients.
The nutritional content of squash makes it beneficial for digestion, blood pressure, and for healthy skin and hair, among others.
Squash can enhance or form the basis of a range of sweet and savory dishes.
Nutrition
The butternut squash packs some great health benefits and can fit into a wide range of meals.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, one cup of cooked, cubed butternut squash, containing around 205 grams, contains:

• 82 calories
• 1.8 grams (g) of protein
• 0.18 g of fat

21.50 g of carbohydrate, including 4 g of sugar and 6.6 grams of dietary fiber
It also provides:

• 84 milligrams (mg) of calcium
• 1.23 mg of iron
• 582 mg of potassium
• 59 mg of magnesium
• 55 mg of phosphorus
• 31 milligrams of vitamin C
• 1144 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin A

The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A is 900 mcg for men and 700 mcg for women. For vitamin C is it 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.

Butternut squash is also a good source of vitamin E, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, and manganese.

A cup of cubed butternut squash also provides 582 mg of potassium, more than the amount available in a banana.

Benefits
Fruits and vegetable consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of many adverse health conditions.

Consuming plant foods, such as butternut squash, decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality. It can also enhance the complexion, increase energy, and contribute to a healthy weight.

Lowering and preventing high blood pressure
Butternut squash contains a sizeable helping of potassium, which experts have shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure.
To maintain a healthy blood pressure, getting enough potassium in the diet is as important as lowering sodium intake.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a daily potassium intake of at least 3,510 mg for adults, while the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and recommend 4700 mg per day.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), most American adults consume too much sodium and too little potassium. Fewer than 2 percent of adults in the United States (U.S.) consume the daily recommended amount of potassium.

A high potassium intake is also associated with a reduced risk of death from all types of stroke and cardiovascular disease, and other causes of mortality.

Preventing asthma
People who consume a high amount of beta-carotene appear to have a lower risk of asthma.

Beta-carotene is the antioxidant that gives certain fruits and vegetables, like squash, their bright orange pigment.

Other orange plant foods with a high beta-carotene content include papaya, sweet potato, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots.

Lowering cancer risk
Studies have indicated that people who consume more carotenoids, including, beta-carotene are less likely to develop colon cancer.

Managing diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have lower overall blood sugar levels. For people with type 2 diabetes, additional fiber improves blood sugar, lipids, and insulin levels.

One cup of butternut squash provides about 6.6 grams of fiber. The AHA recommend consuming 25 grams of fiber a day for a 2,000 calorie diet.

Healthy skin and hair
The vitamin A content in butternut squash can lead to healthier hair and skin.
Butternut squash can enhance the hair and skin because of its high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is needed for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized.

Vitamin A plays an important role in the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

One serving of butternut squash also provides over 50 percent of the required vitamin C intake for a day. Vitamin C helps build and maintain collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.

Digestive health
Maintaining a high fiber diet helps to prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract.

Studies have suggested that dietary fiber may decrease inflammation and improve immune function.

This means it can help reduce the risk of inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

A high fiber intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, nourish gut bacteria, and enhance weight loss for people with obesity.

Boosting immune function
Plant foods like butternut squash that are high in both vitamin C and beta-carotene can help boost immunity.

Some studies have shown that high-fiber foods may also contribute to better immune function.