The Strength: Acorn Squash

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Acorn Squash

Nutrition of Acorn Squash

When it comes to the calorie count in this vegetable, a 1 cup serving of acorn squash has about 115 calories. That’s a few more than the same serving of butternut squash, but less than a similar serving of potatoes. In general, squash can be a low calorie substitute for the potato, but that’s only the start of what this natural food can do to keep the body healthy.

Nutrition of Acorn Squash: Protein and Fiber

In addition to an attractive calorie count, acorn squash also has some of the stuff that the body needs to process other fattier foods. The 9 g of dietary fiber in that 1 cup serving of acorn squash will help the body to deal with the range of foods that you might eat during the day. Unlike some other types of squash, acorn squash has this effective amount of fiber, making it a desirable choice for some diets. With acorn squash, you also get 2 g of protein in the same 1 cup serving, giving your body “fuel” without the cholesterol, saturated fats or other unwanted elements in lots of traditional entrees.

Nutrition of Acorn Squash: Vitamins

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, acorn squash has a lot of the different items that the body needs to function well. The acorn squash can’t quite measure up to the butternut squash variety, specifically in levels of vitamin A, a nutrient for healthy vision, but it still has a full list of the same nutrients that natural foods often deliver, including vitamins E and B6. There’s also a lot of the minerals potassium and magnesium, which also help the body to deal with specific health risks or conditions. Acorn squash has a significant amount of vitamin C, a classic antioxidant that is so prized in foods like citrus fruits, and that you need in your diet. The 1 cup serving of acorn squash has over 30% of the daily recommended amount for vitamin C.
The bottom line is that acorn squash can be a very effective substitute for other foods with a higher calorie count, more fats and sugars, or any of the stuff that goes into processed food offerings so commonly found on supermarket shelves. By contrast, a whole natural squash is easy to cook and eat fresh, making this a very attractive diet option. Keep looking at nutritional labels to see how these kinds of foods can help you lose weight, feel better and contribute to a healthier dinner plate.

I cut my acorn squash in half, scooped out the seeds and placed both halves face down in a glass pan with a bit of water, covered and steamed it in the microwave for about 15 minutes. Perfect ;)

"Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles; it empties today of its strength."

1 comment:

the treat girlNovember 16, 2011 at 8:35 AM
Yep, I'm an acorn squash lover!!!! Enjoy!
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