Butternut Squash

How beneficial are the butternut squash?

Just like avocado, many have used butternuts as vegetables though they're technically fruits! They have also been confused with ripe pumpkins, however, their differ greatly in taste and in size. Butternuts are rich in vitamin B complex,Vitamin C and Vitamin E, minerals such as calcium, phosporus and iron. They're ranked highly among plants vitamin A super sources. 

Vitamin A (beta-carotene and alpha-carotene) inactive form found in butternuts are converted to active forms retinal and retinoic acids. The inactive form of Vitamin A is the major reason of its bright yellow colour just like the orange colour in carrots. Retinal and retinoic acid helps boost immunity function, cell multiplication, bone health and last but not least improved vision. For expectant mothers, they can consider making butternut squash to aid in foetal development mostly in the first and second trimesters. 

For the diabetics who might be having advanced glycation end (AGE) organ damage complications such as retinopathy a glass of butternut squash can improve their vision if not delay the retinopathy progress. Vitamin A together with Vitamin E are super potent antioxidants, this helps scavage free radicles in our bodies, this are key vitamins to people at risk of heart diseases such as atherosclerosis. They can take one glass of butternut squash on alternative days to receive this exclusive benefits. 

Imagine how tasty butternut squash are; considering weight loss, then butternut squash come in very handy due to its low calorie and nutrient dense properties. So, instead of going for unhealthy juices added with sugar consider the benefits of butternut squash. 30 mins after moderate excercise one can opt for butternut squash to boost energy levels due to its vitamin 6 content which also support blood cell formation. Its vitamin C content will boost immune levels at all ages. Thinking of all this benefits packaged in one fruit besides its sweet taste in savory recipes, then I would confidently recommend it to you.

So how do we use butternuts at home, there are many ways, to mention but a few;

1. You can use the butternut squash puree and low fat milk to make a creamy-free soup. 

2. Roast the butternut squash together with eggs for breakfast

3. You can cut into cubes roast it with sunflower or olive oil, add little bit of pepper to taste

4. You can substitute butternut squash in places of pumkin and potatoes curries. 

Butternuts are affordable and available in most markets, prices ranging from ksh 100 to ksh 150. 

Share your thoughts on other benefits of butternut aquash, where do you buy it from and what do you use it for?