Acorn squash is finally in season – rejoice! Why are we getting so excited about acorn squash? Why not?! With all the health and nutrition benefits of acorn squash, you’re going to be questioning why you never added this tasty fruit (yes it is a fruit) to your diet.
1. Boost Immune System
Acorn squash is loaded with Vitamin C. Why should you care? Well, Vitamin C has been proven to boost your immune system. Vitamin C stimulates your white blood cell production, which helps to defend your body from unwanted germs – plus help develop organs, teeth, skin and muscle tissue. It also works as an antioxidant to protect your body from heart diseases and certain cancers.
2. Dietary Fiber
Each serving of acorn squash has 9 grams of dietary fiber. That’s over ⅓ of your daily requirement. Dietary fiber helps to regulate digestion, eliminate “tummy issues,” regulate blood sugar levels and help to prevent diabetes. If you already have diabetes, acorn squash is an excellent way to help maintain glucose levels. Also – dietary fiber eliminates excess cholesterol so it helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
3. Reduce High Blood Pressure
Potassium is a must-have to maintain blood pressure at safe levels, and acorn squash is a great source for this mineral. By helping to relax blood vessels and arteries, Potassium helps to reduce stress on your heart.
4. Improve Vision
When you have high levels of Vitamin A, you’re also going to have high levels of beta-carotene, which is an excellent antioxidant for your system. Not only does it help improve your vision, the combo of Vitamin A and beta-carotene keep your skin young and healthy. It diminishes scars and speeds up the healing process of wounds. So if you like looking fabulous, you should definitely add acorn squash to your weekly menu.
5. Keep Your Bones Strong
Rocking with awesome minerals (calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, phosphorus…etc), acorn squash has what you need to keep your bones healthy. Not only do these minerals help with the development of new bones, they also help regrow and heal the bones you already have. The minerals in acorn squash also help to prevent osteoporosis and keep our bones strong!
6. SO GOOD!
Soft with a sweet, nutty flavor – there is something about acorn squash that gets our taste buds drooling!
Convinced you need to add acorn squash to your diet? Good! Check out these delicious, nutritious and just plain awesome acorn squash recipes you need to make:
Click Here for Recipe: Apple Walnut Acorn Squash
“Filled with apples, nuts, bacon, and spices, this acorn squash recipe is a full-flavored side dish. The sweet and buttery acorn squash flavor combines with the tart apples and salty bacon to create a dish your family will love (even the picky eaters).” - Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Roast Acorn Squash, Sweet Potato and Beet Kale and Quinoa Salad with Avocado, Feta and Pomegranate in a Cilantro Lemon Tahini Dressing
“It’s time for salad! A hearty and tasty salad that eats like a meal, is fully satisfying and healthy, leaving you with no regrets, a roast acorn squash, sweet potato and beet kale and quinoa salad with avocado, feta and pomegranate in a cilantro lemon tahini dressing!” - Kevin
Click Here for Recipe: Norma's Stuffed Maple/Sausage Acorn Squash for Two
“I made this tonight and the stuffing alone was so good! I had a very large acorn squash which I should have left in the oven much longer before stuffing (20 minutes wasn't long enough). Aside from the extended baking time, this recipe is a definite keeper! I will certainly make this again.” - Nancy
Click Here for Recipe: Acorn Squash w/ Rice and Mushroom Medley
“Acorn squash is one of my favorites. With the addition of rice and vegetables, in it you have a perfect side dish. Can't wait to serve this the next time I have guests!” - Kitchen Crew
Click Here for Recipe: Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
“This recipe is deceptively simple for how good the end results are. I filled the acorn squash halves with some maple syrup and a touch of butter and then I let the slow roasting in the oven do the rest of the work. The maple flavour went so well with the sweet roasted acorn squash and if you are a fan of maple syrup like me then these will disappear quickly!” - Kevin