Do you care about the food you put into your body? We hope you do! If you truly care about the effect food has on your physique and physical performance, then you most likely have your macros figured out. By macros, we are referring to the macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. What about your micros (micronutrients), though? Vitamins and minerals are necessary for overall health and quality of life. They also work to optimize your energy levels and enhance exercise performance. 

Consuming micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables can benefit the body in more ways than you think. The great thing about fall is that you can enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables that contain a wide variety of micronutrients. In fact, diversifying your intake of micronutrients can help boost exercise performance. Start incorporating the following three fall produce items into your diet and feel the difference. 

Winter Squash

Yes, it is still fall and not winter yet. Don’t let the name fool you because winter squash come into season during early fall. These squash varieties are rich in potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The most interesting micronutrient, in terms of winter squash, is pectin. Pectin is a form of soluble fiber, which helps to regulate blood glucose levels, which are already in a healthy range. By regulating these levels, pectin may help you sustain energy for a lot longer. You’ll be able to squash any mid-workout fatigue if you include a little butternut in your diet. 

Pro tip: Save the seeds when you clean your squash out before you prepare it. Much like pumpkin, you can roast squash seeds, so long as they are large and plump. You don’t want to burn them during cooking, either! Rinse and dry them before roasting them in an oven with some olive oil and sea salt for about 15 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Beets

Although beets are not the most attractive produce item, they pack a serious nutritional punch. Beets are naturally rich in potassium, fiber, folate, vitamin C, and nitrites, which help to lower blood pressure. Potassium is also a key electrolyte that is essential for muscle contractions and nerve signaling. Beets have a natural ability to enhance the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to working muscles. That’s why it beats out others in terms of boosting exercise performance. The dietary nitrites have a positive impact on oxygen demand while you are engaging in physical activity. 

One study found that consuming 16 ounces of beetroot juice per day significantly decreased oxygen demand during moderate-intensity activity. Additionally, researchers noted that the participants who consumed beetroot juice experienced an overall reduction in oxygen cost. Chugging 16 ounces of beetroot juice per day is not for everyone, though. Through other studies, researchers determined that eight ounces of beetroot juice per day can elicit exercise benefits. 

Pumpkin

There is no individual nutrient in a pumpkin that will magically boost your exercise performance. That said, this glorious orange gourd is beneficial for your gains. Don’t skip on the impressive amount of fiber, B-vitamins, vitamin A, and selenium. After you scoop out your pumpkin seeds to roast, you can use the pumpkin meet in myriad ways. You can make homemade pumpkin puree, which you can use in many recipes, or roast the pumpkin or even turn it into pumpkin hummus. Pie pumpkins tend to be on the sweeter (and smaller) side, just in case you don’t want to grab a huge pumpkin.

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Spaghetti squash (Cucurbita pepo) is a fall and winter squash variety that offers a nutty flavor and impressive nutritional profile. It is closely related to pumpkin, zucchini, and other types of squash. Traditionally, it is yellow and oblong in shape, but it can come in various shapes and colors, ranging from dark orange to white. It is naturally rich in fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin c, and other vitamins and minerals that we will highlight in this article. 

Before we detail the health benefits of spaghetti squash, we have to cover the name. When you cook spaghetti squash, it shreds into strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. Overcooking it, however, can turn the squash’s flesh into a mushy substance, not strands. It is a low carb and low calorie alternative to traditional pasta that comes with a whole lot more health benefits. The nutritional content of one cup of cooked spaghetti squash provides the following:

• Calories: 42
• Carbs 10 grams (g)
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 2.2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Vitamin C: 6% of the daily value (DV)
• Vitamin B6: 9% of the DV
• Niacin: 8% of the DV
• Manganese: 7% of the DV
• Pantothenic acid: 11% of the DV

Spaghetti squash also contains small amounts of magnesium, potassium, calcium, folate, thiamine, and iron. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of this unique squash. 

May Aid Digestive Health

Spaghetti squash is a great source of fiber, offering 2.2 g in one cooked cup, which satisfies 9% of the DV of fiber. Supplying the body with enough fiber can help optimize digestive health by keeping things moving. For this reason, nutritionists suggest that you find more ways to incorporate spaghetti squash and other fibrous foods into your daily diet. 

Boosts Bone Health

Spaghetti squash contains manganese, calcium, and magnesium, three minerals that are necessary for strong, healthy bones. It also contains vitamin C, which boosts collagen production, which supports bone structure. Collectively, all of these nutritions contribute to healthy bone density and work to reduce the risk of bone-related health conditions, such as osteoporosis. 

Helps Support Vision

Most fall and winter squash varieties, including spaghetti squash, contain an impressive amount of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is integral for maintaining healthy vision. Some research shows that it helps protect night blindness. Spaghetti squash also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that protect the eyes from sun damage and oxidative stress. The vitamin C in spaghetti squash also works to reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. 

May Boost Metabolism

Vegetables can help boost your metabolism, and spaghetti squash is no exception. Nutritionists attribute this ability to the high B-vitamin content, specifically vitamin B6. B vitamins help convert food into energy, which aids the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Additionally, the rich fiber content helps regulate blood sugar, which also promotes a steady supply of energy throughout the day. 

May Reduce The Risk Of Chronic Diseases

As discussed in this article, spaghetti squash contains myriad antioxidant compounds, including vitamin C and carotenoids. These antioxidants work to fight oxidative stress and aid inflammation reduction. The fiber helps to lower cholesterol and regulate blood pressure, while potassium works to maintain healthy blood pressure. All of these things help to keep chronic diseases at bay, especially inflammation-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

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Squash thrive in two seasons: summer and winter. Unlike winter squash, which you can harvest and store for many months, summer squash are fruits eaten when they are still immature. Some summer squash that you know include zucchini, pattypan, or yellow squash. Although you may know how to cook a zucchini, there are many summer squash varieties that get left by the wayside. 

Perhaps you don’t know how to use or cook with summer squash, so you avoid them. Some look strange and intimidating, even. You are missing out on some serious nutritional benefits! That’s why this article is a crash course on summer squash and how they benefit your health. 

Chayote

This pear-shaped, light green summer squash exhibits a cucumber-like flavor and crisp texture. You can cook it or enjoy it raw, and it is a popular ingredient in Mexican and South American dishes, including stews, soups, and salads. Chayote is edible, but make sure to remove the rubbery peel before you consume it, as that makes it much easier to chew and enjoy. Chayote contains a lot of vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, zinc, and fiber. Plus, one cup of cooked chayote only contains 38 calories!

Luffa

Luffa, or loofa, is the sponge gourd and member of the squash family Cucurbitaceae. You can eat these plants as long as you harvest them at the young stage. Mature luffas become very fibrous and have a rough texture when dried. That’s why they are used as alternative scrubbing sponges. They have a mild flavor, similar to zucchini and cucumber, and you can enjoy them similarly. One cup of raw luffa contains just 19 calories and fulfills 13% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. Vitamin C offers great antioxidant properties and is necessary for collagen synthesis and immune function. 

Kousa

This pale-colored squash is commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisine during the summer. Some people call it Lebanese squash or gray zucchini. It has a mildly nutty, slightly sweet flavor that works well with savory dishes, such as soups and stir-fries. Unfortunately, nutritional information on this squash is limited, but it is likely similar to that of zucchini, which is next up on the list. 

Zucchini

Zucchini, although it is available year-round, is potentially the most popular and well-known summer squash. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor profile and tender center. You can enjoy it raw, roasted, grilled, baked, steamed, or sautéed. Although it is low in calories, it offers lots of nutrients, including potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and a lot of antioxidant compounds, including lutein. Studies confirm that lutein-rich foods can help benefit eye health because lutein protects the eyes from damage that leads to age-related macular degeneration, among other eye diseases. 

Pattypan Squash

This small, unique-looking squash looks like a little saucer with scalloped edges. Although pattypan comes in several colors, it tastes the best when it is primarily yellow. The flavor is slightly sweeter than zucchini, and that sweetness really comes out when you roast it. Pattypan squash is a rich source of protective plant compounds, including benzoic acid. One study compared the antioxidant activity of five different squash, including zucchini and pumpkin. Pattypan squash exhibited the highest antioxidant potential out of all the squash varieties. Researchers attributed this to the high content of benzoic acid and its derivatives, all of which have strong cellular protective properties. 

Tromboncino 

Tromboncino, or zucchetto, is a beautiful summer squash native to Italy. It is only enjoyed during the summer months, but it belongs to the same family as butternut squash and other winter squash. You can let tromboncino mature on the vine and store it as you would a winter squash. That said, it is common to enjoy this when the fruit is young, which is why it falls into the summer squash category. In its young stage, tromboncino exhibits a sweet and nutty flavor with a texture that is slightly denser than zucchini. It is delicious regardless of when you eat this squash. 

Crookneck Squash

This yellow squash has a curved or crooked neck, hence the name. The skin, much like that of zucchini, is thin and edible, as is the soft flesh. You can enjoy crookneck squash in stir-fries, roasted vegetable medleys, or spiralized as noodles. Just like other squash varieties on this list, crookneck squash is low in calories. It also provides a lot of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and fiber. It also contains zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, and other carotenoids.

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It’s that time of year when winter squash varieties appear at farmers’ markets or on grocery store shelves. Squash fall into two categories: winter and summer. The category they fall into depends on whether they’re harvested and consumed when they are immature or fully developed. Winter squash varieties include butternut, acorn, kabocha, and Delicata, to name a few. 

When mature, winter squash have a hard exterior (rind) that protects them from the elements, such as frost, snow, wind, and rain. That is why they are ideal for long-term storage. The squash you acquire will dictate the type of dish you can make with it. Some squash varieties, such as spaghetti squash, can be the star of the show, while others work for appetizers or sides. Continue reading to learn about some excellent winter squash that exhibit impressive health properties. 

Spaghetti Squash

Trying to avoid pasta? Spaghetti squash is a great alternative that offers much more nutrients than packaged pasta. When you cook spaghetti squash, the flesh takes on a stringy texture, which resembles noodles. It is much lower in carbs than other squash in this list, providing just 29.9 grams of carbs per cup. Additionally, spaghetti squash offers B vitamins, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, but is lower in nutrients when compared to butternut or acorn squash varieties. 

Kabocha Squash

The kabocha squash, or Japanese pumpkin, has a dark green exterior and bright orange flesh that is surprisingly sweet. You can roast, steam, or boil kabocha squash and add it to stews, soups, baked goods, and even salads. Because of its inherent sweetness, kabocha squash is a common ingredient in sweet dishes like pies and cakes. Nothing beats a savory kabocha squash winter soup, though! Kabocha squash exhibits impressive antioxidant activity, being high in vitamins A and C. It is also a great source of potassium, calcium, beta-carotene, and fiber.

Blue Hubbard Squash

Quite an interesting name for a squash, don’t you think? This unique winter squash has a beautiful bluish-green rind and sweet, yellow flesh that is rich in fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients. One cup of this squash provides 10 grams of fiber, which satisfies 35% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Eating more fiber helps promote digestive health, regulating bowel movements and fueling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

Acorn Squash

The acorn squash belongs to the same plant family as zucchini, pumpkins, and butternut squash. Shaped like an acorn, this squash can vary in color, with the exterior ranging from white to dark green. The flesh is yellow-orange and offers a slightly sweet yet nutty flavor, making it great for fall and winter dishes. Acorn squash is a great source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin, all of which work to fight oxidative stress. Finally, acorn squash is rich in vitamins A and C, some B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. 

Delicata Squash

The Delicata squash isn’t quite as popular as acorn or butternut squash, but it does have a naturally sweet flavor. The flavor is very similar to that of the pie pumpkin, but it has a thin, tender skin, making it easy to peel. It is low in calories and rich in potassium, making it a great food for people who aim to control blood pressure. One cup of Delicata squash provides 13% of the RDI of potassium. Delicata squash is also highly versatile and a great source of complex carbohydrates. 

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is one of the most popular types of winter squash, exhibiting a sweet, nutty flavor. Packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds, butternut squash needs to be on your fall and winter grocery list. One cup of cooked butternut squash provides 100% of the RDI of vitamin A, and over 30% of the RDI of vitamin C. Both of these vitamins act as antioxidants, working to neutralize free radicals in the body. That process helps protect cells against damage that may potentially cause disease. In addition to the vitamins A and C, butternut squash contains potassium, manganese, magnesium, and plant pigments. 

Red Kuri Squash

This type of Hubbard winter squash is quite striking and has an interesting tear-drop shape with a vibrant reddish-orange exterior. The flesh is highly sweet and packs a serious nutritional punch, offering lots of vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium. The skin becomes very tender and edible when you thoroughly cook this squash, making it very easy to handle. It is a common ornamental squash for common decor, but don’t forget that you can eat it too!

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Is there anything better than a warm bowl of comforting soup during a crisp autumn evening? A relaxing massage on a tropical beach might rival the bowl of soup, but just imagine that it isn’t for the sake of our argument. The ingredients in that bowl of soup, though, can either benefit or harm your health. Fortunately for you, the soups in this article are made from whole food ingredients and free of preservatives, excess sodium, added flavors, and unhealthy fats. 

There are many different soups, yet people tend to stick to a few classics: chicken noodle, tomato, or minestrone. If you purchase these soups in their canned form, chances are they are riddled with sodium, saturated fat, and processed ingredients. If you tend to enjoy soup when you are sick, you don’t want to put harmful ingredients in the body. In order to recover more quickly, the body requires nutritious foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants in vegetables can help fight inflammation and get you on the mend more quickly than a can of beef stew.

Now, you do not have to fall ill in order to enjoy a bowl of soup. Comfort your soul on a crisp fall evening with one of the following soup recipes. If you make one of these soups, drop a comment and let us know how you liked it!

Creamy Celeriac Soup

This soup has a luxurious texture and depth of flavor. There is a slightly nutty flavor that makes this the perfect warming fall soup. It’s very easy to make, containing many members of the allium family, including leeks, onion, and garlic.

Click here to make the soup.

Roasted Root Vegetable Soup

Warm, comforting, and very filling, this roasted root vegetable soup includes root veggies like squash, carrots, and potatoes, and onion. Although we have a list of ingredients, you can take a little creative liberty with your root veggies.

Click here to make the soup.

Zucchini Potato Soup

An easy, velvety zucchini potato soup that is perfect for the chilly days of fall and winter. It makes for a great non-dairy, filling dinner!

Click here to make the soup.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Winter squash? Didn’t fall just start? You are not wrong but winter squash refers to squash that are harvested during the fall. And this soup uses one of the most notable squash of the season: the butternut squash. It’s easy to prepare, cozy, and has incredible depth of flavor.

Click here to make the soup. 

Tomato Lentil Soup

Get ready to feast on this culinary creation. This dairy-free, creamy tomato lentil soup is incredibly satisfying and packed with protein. It’s very adaptable, so you can put a little creative culinary spin on the recipe if the inspiration strikes.

Click here to make the soup. 

Roasted Carrot Soup

Slurping a hot soup on a chilly fall evening somehow puts an end to the chaos of the world and allows you to focus on enjoying deliciousness. Give your body and soul a comforting hug with every spoonful of this roasted carrot soup.

Click here to make the soup.

Vegan Tomato Basil Soup

Made with simple ingredients that yield a rich soup with serious depth of flavor, this vegan tomato soup may contend with the best of the best. 

Click here to make the soup.

Simply Vegan Tasty Tortilla Soup

When you see a bowl of tortilla soup, the natural response is to devour it. Even though there is some prep work for this vegan tortilla soup, don’t be afraid! Add everything to a pot and let the flavors intensify!

Click here to make the soup.

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With shorter days and colder nights, you need recipes that are warm, comforting, and hardy. At the same time, you don’t want to make a recipe that takes four hours to make. That’s the great thing about this vegan butternut squash and chickpea stew. After about 15 minutes of prep work, the total cooking time is about 30-40 minutes. Now that’s the kind of time in the kitchen we’re talking about!

This stew is inspired by Moroccan flavors because it is infused with spices and ingredients from that area. Coriander and cinnamon are very aromatic and will fill your kitchen with their intoxicating aromas while the stew simmers. Plus, you have the pungent and spicy harissa that you add to the stew. Harissa is a North African red chili paste or sauce made from a few simple ingredients. More often than not, harissa contains garlic, olive oil, chiles, citrus, and a few warm spices. It can be a bit spicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and smoky, so you can add a little more or less to this stew depending on your spice tolerance.

Although you can enjoy this stew on its own, it does go great with couscous or rice. This decision is entirely up to you, though, because it is just as tasty with or without those side dishes. The crazy thing about this stew is that it is even better the next day after you reheat it. And don’t forget that you can always mix in a little extra dollop of harissa to enhance the spice level.

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Bring on the winter squash and comforting soups because fall is here! You may be thinking, “Winter squash? I thought fall just started!” You are not wrong, but winter squash actually refers to squash that are harvested during the fall. Of the winter squash that you see in the store, butternut, kabocha, pumpkin, and acorn squash are the most popular.

Sometimes, you want to make a comforting soup that boasts incredible depth of flavor, but you don’t have time to watch over it as it simmers for 4 hours on low heat. That’s why we love slow cookers! Your only responsibility is to add all of the ingredients into it and program the time and heat. Then you just let the slow cooking do the work. What you’re left with is a rich, incredibly flavorful creation that is ready to eat as soon as you get home.

There is one thing to note about that above statement: you have to blend the ingredients in the slow cooker. You can do this by using an immersion blender, or you can add the ingredients to a high-speed blender in batches. Once you puree the ingredients and the texture is luxurious and creamy, you can ladle it into bowls and enjoy. A quick note before you make the recipe: don’t forget to remove the bay leaves after cooking. Just be careful not to blend them with the rest of the ingredients.

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If the crisp air and golden-brown leaves didn’t clue you in, the addition of pumpkin spice lattes to coffee shop menus signal that fall is underway. Fall isn’t just about pumpkin-flavored foods and beverages, though. As you move further into the autumnal months, you start to see an assortment of fresh, fall produce in grocery stores. In addition to being hardy and nutrient-dense, many fall produce items burst with flavor. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a diet that incorporates fall fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains and legumes, supports a healthy heart. A 2020 study found that vegetarians who ate a diet rich in nuts, vegetables, and soy, experienced a lower risk of stroke than non-vegetarians who ate meat. Hopefully this incentivizes people to veg out from now on, especially on the fruits and vegetables detailed in this article. 

Shopping and cooking with seasonal ingredients is better for your health and the environment. The reason for this is because seasonal produce is at peak freshness and nutritional value, and typically from local farmers. This helps to reduce carbon footprint because not as much transportation is required to get the produce from the farm to your local grocery store. Depending on where you live, you may see different fall fruits and vegetables, but these are some of the best ones to eat no matter where you are. 

Eggplant

This low-calorie nightshade is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, especially potassium and vitamin B6. Eggplant is rich in anthocyanins, a type of pigment with antioxidant properties that give eggplant the signature purple hue. Nasunin, an anthocyanin in eggplant, may be effective at protecting cells against free radical damage. Adding more eggplant to your diet may also help decrease your risk of heart disease and improve blood sugar control. 

Brussels Sprouts

One cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains 14% of the daily value (DV) of fiber. There is also a lot of evidence that indicates that these cruciferous vegetables may aid in your fight against cancer. Researchers attribute ability this to the glucosinolates in Brussels sprouts, which have cancer-preventative properties. Brussels sprouts may just be one of fall’s most underrated treats, and you can cook them or enjoy them raw. 

Cauliflower

Even though your mom always told you to eat green vegetables, you shouldn’t avoid cauliflower because of the bland color. Cauliflower happens to be an excellent source of fiber and potassium, two nutrients that aid with blood pressure regulation. Shockingly, most American adults don’t meet the recommended daily intake of either nutrient, but eating cauliflower can fight that statistic. Cauliflower is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production and enhances immune function.

Winter Squash

Don’t let the name fool you because “winter squash” is the umbrella term for squash harvested in the fall. Winter squash varieties include spaghetti squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, and more. Not only are these squash varieties rich in flavor and hardy, but they also provide lots of beta-carotene, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. According to food data, there are 5,920 micrograms (mcg) of beta-carotene in one cup of butternut squash. Beta-carotene is a plant pigment that the body converts to vitamin A, which is beneficial for immunity and eye health. Additionally, vitamin A supports healthy kidney, heart, and lung function, so get your dose of winter squash this fall. 

Artichokes

Unfortunately, many people eat artichokes in the unhealthiest way possible: in spinach artichoke dip. This dairy-rich, fattening appetizer has zero nutritional value from the artichoke or spinach. You can steam or grill artichokes, seasoning them with sea salt, garlic, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Several studies indicate that, gram for gram, they contain more antioxidants than any other vegetable. 

Pears

People often overlook pears for some odd reason, despite their juicy, sweet flavor profile. Nutritionally, they are similar to apples, but they have more fiber. A medium pear offers about 20% of your DV of fiber, and it only is 101 calories. A small 2019 study monitored participants with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. The participants ate two pears daily and were able to improve heart health and other markers of good health. Researchers noted that the fiber played a large role in this, as diets rich in fiber are linked to reduced risk of heart disease. 

Cranberries

Cranberries are only in season for a short while, so get your hands on them while the gettin’s good. They have a bright red hue and may be the quintessential fruit of fall. Just like eggplant, cranberries have anthocyanins that work to reduce oxidative stress in the body. This is very important because too much oxidative stress in the body increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. One study found that participants who took a daily cranberry supplement (equating to one cup of cranberries) for twelve weeks experienced improved memory and lower LDL cholesterol. Dried cranberries are readily available, but the nutrients lie in the fresh varieties.

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It’s a yellow zucchini, right? Yellow squash is actually much less popular than zucchini, despite the fact that it is just as nutritious. Yellow squash is a form of summer squash that includes a few straight-neck and crookneck varieties. You can find these varieties at farmers markets and grocery stores during the summer, which is when they are in season. 

What Is Yellow Squash?

Yellow squash is a type of summer squash within the Cucurbita plant family. It has thin yellow skin and pale flesh and small edible seeds inside. It looks similar to zucchini, but the seeds are bigger and it grows in less uniform, cylindrical shapes. The primary difference between yellow squash and winter squashes is that winter squashes are more mature because they have more time to grow before harvest time. That means that winter squashes tend to have richer nutrient profiles, whereas summer squashes tend to have higher water content. 

Yellow Squash Nutrition Facts

Yellow squash is a non-starchy vegetable that is not a carb or starch like potatoes or winter squashes. Many of the antioxidants and nutrients exist in the skin, which is why nutritionists encourage people to eat this veggie with the skin on. Below, you’ll find the nutrition facts for one medium, raw yellow squash:

• Calories: 38
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams (g)
• Fiber: 2 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Potassium: 15% of daily value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 56% of DV
• Phosphorus: 7% of DV
• Vitamin K: 11% of DV
• Iron: 9% of DV
• Folate: 14% of DV
• Magnesium: 8% of DV
• Vitamin B6: 10% of DV

Full Of Fiber

One of the primary benefits of increasing your fiber intake is that you can help fight constipation. One cup of squash contains over a gram of fiber, which may help improve digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems, including hemorrhoids and diverticulitis. Several studies concluded that fiber-rich foods may also help manage blood sugar levels. This helps you avoid energy dips that result in overeating or unhealthy cravings later in the day. 

Rich In Antioxidants

Although the flesh of yellow squash contains antioxidants, the peel is where they are primarily concentrated. The antioxidants in yellow squash include carotenoids and phenolic compounds, including lutein, dehydroascorbic acid, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin. Many of these compounds exhibit pro-apoptotic activity, meaning they may be able to fight cancer. Beta-carotene, for example, converts to vitamin A in the body and supports healthy vision, skin renewal, and immune health. Lutein and zeaxanthin may protect the eyes from age-related diseases and vision loss, reducing the risk of macular degeneration and glaucoma. 

Improved Immune Health

As an excellent source of vitamin C, yellow squash is a great immune-boosting food. Vitamin C acts like an antioxidant and works to defend the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. Experts concluded that vitamin C stimulates neutrophil migration to the site of infection. It may also enhance microbial killing and oxidant generation, protecting host tissues from excessive damage. Vitamin C also increases your body’s ability to absorb iron in the digestive tract, which may help protect you against anemia. 

Better Heart Health

Calling back to the first benefit of yellow squash, the fiber content may help reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels. Preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing can help reduce your risk of clogged arteries. Additionally, the vitamin K in yellow squash works to protect your heart against atherosclerosis. It does this by inhibiting calcium build-up inside your blood vessels. This can prevent them from bursting or tearing, which may cause life-threatening illnesses like heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. 

Low In Carbs And Calories

With approximately 20 calories in a small yellow squash or 40 in a medium-sized one, yellow squash is great for people watching their waistline. The few calories in this vegetable come from the low carb content. One cup of yellow squash only contains about four grams of carbs, meaning it is a great replacement for higher carb foods like potatoes and corn. Even though it has fewer calories and carbs than other foods, yellow squash contains fiber, which helps you feel full. Substitute this veggie for high-calorie and high-carb boxed noodles by spiralizing it!

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This recipe for acorn squash goes beyond the typical combination of butter and brown sugar. We’re taking an herbaceous turn this fall because the herbs play off the inherent sweetness of the squash. It’s a near perfect recipe, and we think you are going to love the flavors. This acorn squash is a beautiful side dish, but you could also eat it as a main course. We won’t be mad at you either way.

You can use fresh or dried herbs for this recipe, but fresh is always best. If you decide to use dried herbs, you’re going to have to adjust the amount because dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs. It’s also important that you cut the acorn squash the same because you want to cook evenly.

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