Is butternut squash good for diabetics?
Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that has reddish orange skin and a bright orange interior. The skin and flesh are both hard and firm, and it is shaped almost like an elongated pear. Like squash and zucchini, butternut squash is a member of the cucurbitaceous family.
Squash is one of the oldest known crops, reaching Mexico and Central America 10,000 years ago. The name squash is derived from the American word askutasquash, which means cooked or eaten raw.
The taste of butternut squash is very soft, slightly sweet and slightly nutty. The taste may remind you of a cross between a sweet potato and a carrot or turnip.
Nutrition
A serving of butternut squash is 1 cup. With the addition of nothing, it has:
- 63 calories
- 0 grams of fat
- 16 grams of carbohydrates
- 8 grams of dietary fiber
- 3 grams of sugar
- 4 grams of protein
- 6 mg sodium
For vitamins and nutrients, a serving of butternut squash is packed with:
- More than 100% of your daily requirement of the Vitamin A
- About 40% of your daily requirement is Vitamin C
- About 15% of your daily requirement is magnesium
- About 18% of your daily requirement of the potassium
- About 5% of your daily requirement of calcium
Is Butternut Squash Right For Diabetics?
Butternut squash contains the type of fiber that is not digestible. If you have diabetes, it can help raise your blood sugar after meals. Butternut squash also has a low glycemic index, meaning that carbohydrates are slowly digested. It also protects against the high blood sugar.
Can you eat butternut squash if you have 2 diabetics?
Pre-cooked, winter squash for a hearty dish or soup is a delicious and versatile recipe in a diabetic diet. Although technically classified as a fruit, acorn squash and butternut squash are considered starchy vegetables that can serve as a healthy alternative to russet potatoes.
Butternut squash can do just that for you
This is a great hydrator. A portion of butternut squash contains about 87% water, which can help you retain water.
This is good for your immunity. Like other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, butternut squash is rich in beta carotene and alpha carotene. Your body converts them into vitamin A, which is important for your immune system.
It’s great for your eyes. Butternut squash contains lutein and zeaxanthin which are often found in yellow fruits and vegetables as well as eggs. Combined with beta carotene and vitamin A, it protects your eyes from ultraviolet rays.
Keep in mind that your body needs some healthy fats to absorb these eye-catching nutrients well, so be sure to eat butternut squash with a few drops of olive oil.
It is a good source of fiber. Dietary fiber can keep your weight in balance and reduce your risk of cancer. Research shows that the butternut squash can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, in particular.
This can help lower your blood pressure. Butternut squash is high in the potassium, which can help control your blood pressure. Managing your blood pressure can reduce your risk of the stroke and heart disease.
Fiber helps lower blood sugar. Butternut squash contains a type of the fiber that is not digestible. If you have diabetes, it can help raise your blood sugar after meals. Butternut squash also has a low glycemic index, meaning that carbohydrates are slowly digested. It also protects against the high blood sugar.
How to cook butternut squash
Once it’s cleaned, it’s time to prepare the butternut squash. Cut it in half lengthwise and divide the seeds with a spoon. You can toss them or spread them on a cookie sheet and bake them in the oven – as you would with pumpkin seeds.
There are many delicious ways to eat the butternut squash. Here are the main four methods for getting start.
- Boil: Cut the squash into cubes and cook until soft.
- Eat this: Squash cubes, place the cubes in a cooking tray, cool with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then prepare in the oven until cooked through.
- Wipe: Do one of the above. Then mash the squash with the fork or masher.
- Soup: Butternut squash makes a delicious addition to soups. First Peel the squash, then, at that point, grind it and afterward press the juice. Add spices to your liking.
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