Short answer
Sqaush is great for you. Squash comes in many varieties and is technically a fruit that is part of the pumpkin and gourd family. Squash offers a multitude of health benefits and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Squash is low in fat,cholesterol and calories.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Squash has many nutritional and medicinal benefits. Squash is a good source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene which is a precursor that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps to combat toxic free radicals that enter our bodies daily. We live in a very toxic society and when toxins enter our body they can enter via our skin, our digestive tract and our pulmonary tract. These impurities have an adverse impact on the body and cause the formation of free radicals. These free radicals cause oxidation of the internal body that can lead to cellular damage and DNA damage. This can predispose to degenerative disease, inflammatory disease, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, vital organ damage, skin disease and malignancy. Vitamin A is also important for healthy eye site and supports a strong immune system. Vitamin A is a natural antimicrobial and promotes healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A boosts bone growth, assists in a healthy neurologic system, can lower cholesterol and has cancer fighting properties.
Squash also contains significant amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E that boosts its antioxidant, immune and anti-inflammatory properties. Squash has vitamin K which helps clotting of the blood and also supports bone health. Squash is a good source of niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid and folate. Squash is rich in minerals that consist of potassium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, calcium and iron. Most squash is high in fiber and relatively low in carbohydrates so if you have challenges with your glucose levels eating small to moderate amounts (1-2 cups cubed squash daily) of squash can support healthy weight loss, stable glucose levels. The fiber content in squash also supports healthy glucose levels, a healthy digestive system and can be beneficial to prevent constipation and alleviate intestinal spasms, abdominal distention and flatulence.
Overall squash is very nutrient dense and these nutrients will support the detoxification pathways of the liver and other vital organs. Weight loss and the ridding of impurities in the body can help with metabolic syndrome-an epidemic disease state that is linked with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and elevated blood lipids. Squash is low in sodium which also assists in maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
Because zucchini and most squash varieties are loaded with nutrients, low in fat, sodium, calories and cholesterol it is a good choice for pregnant women.
Possible long-term side effects
- easting large amounts daily could raise glucose levels
Benefits
- low in fat, cholesterol and calories
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low in sodium
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good source of vitamin a, c, e and k
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good source of niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid and folate
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rich in minerals that consist of potassium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, calcium and iron
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high in fiber
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fuels detoxifying pathways
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good for weight loss and blood pressure
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can help regulate glucose levels
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Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 05-29-2018
Last updated: 11-28-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Dr. Becky Maes
Published on: 05-29-2018
Last updated: 11-28-2023