#Butternut squash skin#

Also, they are rich in protein, minerals, and numerous health-benefiting vitamins. It has a similar mineral profile as that of pumpkin containing adequate levels of minerals like iron, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.īutternut squash seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber and mono-unsaturated fatty acids that benefit for heart health. It is rich in the B-complex group of vitamins like folates, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, and pantothenic acid. These pigment chemicals convert into vitamin-A inside the body and carry out the same protective functions of this vitamin. Research studies suggest that natural foods rich in vitamin-A help the human body protected against lung and oral cavity cancers.įurthermore, butternut squash composes plenty of natural polyphenolic flavonoid compounds like a and ß-carotenes, cryptoxanthin-ß, and lutein. Vitamin-A is also an essential element for healthy eyesight.

#Butternut squash skin#

Vitamin-A is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucosa. At 10,630 IU per 100 g, it, perhaps, is the single vegetable source in the Cucurbitaceae family with the highest levels of vitamin-A, constituting about 354% of RDA. Squashes are the most often recommended vegetables by dieticians in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.īutternuts have more vitamin-A than that of in pumpkins. Nonetheless, it is a rich source of dietary fiber and phytonutrients. It contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Like in other Cucurbitaceae members, butternut too has very low calories, 100 g provides just 45 calories. In Argentina, the whole crop is also grown to feed livestock.īutternut squash is composed of many vital polyphenolic antioxidants and vitamins. Immature butternut squash growing in the garden! Courtesy: jspatchworkīutternut squash seeds are nutritious and contain 35-40% oil, and 30% protein.

The seeds are similar to that of Pepita (pumpkin seeds). Cross-section at lower bulge reveals a central hollow cavity filled with a mesh-like network of mucilaginous fibers interspersed with flat elliptical seeds. On its interior, its flesh is golden-yellow to orange depending on the extent of carotene pigments in its flesh. Even so, the butternut varies widely in its shape and size with individual fruit might weighing up to 15 kilos. Its external surface has smooth ribbed skin. Honeybees help in pollination and productive fruiting.īutternut is a big-sized fruit featuring an elongated, thick neck that is attached to a pear-shaped, broad lower base. It is a monoecious (separate male and female flowers appear on the same plant) as in pumpkins. Butternut, in fact, is the most common winter squash vegetables.