Health Benefits of Butternut Squash

The star of today’s soup recipe is butternut squash.

Butternut squash's tangerine hue indicates an abundance of powerhouse nutrients shown to protect against heart disease. Its very high levels of beta-carotene (which your body automatically converts to vitamin A), have been identified as a deterrent against breast cancer, heart disease and age-related macular degeneration, as well as a supporter of healthy lung development in fetuses and newborns. Beta-carotene may also play a role in reducing lung inflammation and emphysema. Additionally, with only a 1-cup serving, you get nearly half the recommended daily dose of antioxidant-rich vitamin C.

Low in fat, butternut squash delivers an ample dose of dietary fiber, making it an exceptionally heart-friendly choice. Its bulk fills you up, allowing you to skip second helpings.

Butternut squash also provides significant amounts of potassium, important for bone health, and vitamin B6, essential for the proper functioning of both the nervous and immune systems. The folate content boosts its heart-healthiness, and helps guard against brain and spinal-cord-related birth defects such as spina bifida. This winter variety of squash also may have anti-inflammatory effects because of its high antioxidant content. Including more winter squash in your diet could help reduce risk of inflammation-related disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma.

All of these benefits add to the taste and comfort of a steaming bowl of this hearty and heart-smart squash soup on a cold winter’s day.