UNCOVERING THE HEALTH BENEFITS AND RISKS OF WINTER SQUASH: EXPERT INSIGHTS
Perspective from Iyanuoluwa Oyetunji
Master of Science in Medicine, specialization in Human Nutrition · 2 years of experience · South Africa
Benefits
- Winter squash is a very good source of vitamin A precursors- alpha and beta carotenes. These carotenes can be converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is an antioxidant, and is important for immune activity. Vitamin A also helps to maintain eye health.
- Winter Squash can help maintain bowel motility because it contains fiber. Fiber also helps to bind excess cholesterol and sugar and remove them from the gastrointestinal tract.
Possible Side Effects
- Due to the high level of fiber in winter squash, an excessive intake may cause side effects such as flatulence, bloating or diarrhea.
→ Winter squash: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.
→ Love Winter squash? Get nutritional facts, tips from health experts, and more
Perspective from Kiran Dhaliwal
Master's Degree Nutrition and Dietetics · 3 years of experience · Australia
Benefits
- Flavonoids compounds in squash such as beta-carotene and lutein may help protect cells from oxidative damage. Flavonoids have been researched for their role in inhibiting cancer cell growth.
- Winter squash is a low glycemic index vegetable and as squash is high polysaccharides which is an indigestible type of fibre it can help prevent or slow down blood sugar rise after eating.
- Winter squash is rich in potassium which can aid in counteracting the effects of sodium on blood pressure which positively affects heart health.
- Winter squash is packed full of vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Potassium and Fibre. Vitamin A benefits the immune system and eye health, while Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron and helps improve immunity. Vitamin B6 helps absorb Vitamin B12 which encourages food to turn into energy.
Possible Side Effects
- As it is high in potassium people who are using ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers should eat these foods in moderation.
- Individuals with kidney issues should also be careful when consuming winter squash as it is high in potassium. If kidneys fail to remove excess potassium from the blood it can be dangerous.
→ Winter squash: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.
→ Love Winter squash? Get nutritional facts, tips from health experts, and more
This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.