Winter Squash Recipes

Nutrition Facts Butternut Squash Vitamins and Minerals  

Butternut squash has a  high amount of vitamin A. One cup of mashed butternut squash  provides 160 percent of recommended daily allowances. Vitamin A is found in the  form of beta-carotene. Vitamin C is also plentiful, providing 52 percent of  daily allowances. Manganese per 1-cup portion provides 21 percent of the daily  recommended values followed closely by calcium, potassium and magnesium. Other  nutrients include folate, omega-3 fatty acid, vitamins B1, B6 and B3 (which is  niacin). Copper and pantothenic acid are also found in butternut squash. Health Benefits     Beta-carotene, which is  high on the nutritional value chart of butternut squash, has both anti-oxidant  and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also proven to help prevent the  oxidation of cholesterol in the body, which helps maintain proper levels of  cholesterol and reduce the possibility of heart attacks or strokes. Butternut squash is  also thought to be beneficial to the regulation of blood sugar and insulin  resistance for diabetics. The potassium in butternut squash may help reduce  blood pressure, while vitamin C can reduce the severity of asthma, arthritis  and atherosclerosis. The fiber in this vegetable may be a benefit in reducing  the risk of colon cancer. Folate may also aid in cancer reduction for people  with a history of alcohol overuse.

Only 94 calories for a 1  cup serving with nothing on it.