Squash: Health Benefits

Squash is a vegetable grown widely around the world. It also one of the oldest cultivated crops on earth, with archaeological data tracing their origins back to 10,000 years ago in Mesoamerica. They were famously one of the Three Sisters crops that were cultivated by Native Americans, who eventually shared them with European settlers. These three vegetables were commonly grown together, and included corn (maize), beans, and squash. They provided the staple elements of the diet of that early American culture and a number of other cultures throughout the region.

The impressive health benefits of squash are derived from the organic compounds, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that they contain. This list includes a huge amount of vitamin A, as well as significant amounts fo vitamins C, E, B6, Niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid and folate. In terms of minerals, squash contains magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, phosphorous, calcium and iron. they are also a very good source of carotenoids and other important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.

Different varieties of squash have the ability ot improve the quality of your sight, boost skin health, strenghthen the immune system, prevent cancer, manage symptoms of diabetes, build strong bones, protect heart health, reduce symptoms of insomnia, prevent inflammatory conditions, treat arthritis, eliminate ulcers, eliminate parasites and infections, increase prostate health, protects against birth defects, boosts respiratory health and reduces blood pressure.

There are numerous ways of preparing squash. It can be consumed raw, in salads, steamed and seasoned, baked, boiled and mashed, or stuffed with meats and or other vegetables.

Enjoy squash when in season and throughout the rest of the year as well....