

Studies have suggested that dietary fiber may decrease inflammation and improve immune function. Maintaining a high fiber diet helps to prevent constipation and promote a healthy digestive tract. Vitamin C helps build and maintain collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. One serving of butternut squash also provides over 50 percent of the required vitamin C intake for a day. Vitamin A plays an important role in the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Vitamin A is needed for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Share on Pinterest The vitamin A content in butternut squash can lead to healthier hair and skin.īutternut squash can enhance the hair and skin because of its high vitamin A content. The AHA recommend consuming 25 grams of fiber a day for a 2,000 calorie diet. One cup of butternut squash provides about 6.6 grams of fiber. For people with type 2 diabetes, additional fiber improves blood sugar, lipids, and insulin levels. People with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have lower overall blood sugar levels. Studies have indicated that people who consume more carotenoids, including, beta-carotene are less likely to develop colon cancer. Other orange plant foods with a high beta-carotene content include papaya, sweet potato, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots. People who consume a high amount of beta-carotene appear to have a lower risk of asthma.īeta-carotene is the antioxidant that gives certain fruits and vegetables, like squash, their bright orange pigment. Fewer than 2 percent of adults in the United States (U.S.) consume the daily recommended amount of potassium.Ī high potassium intake is also associated with a reduced risk of death from all types of stroke and cardiovascular disease, and other causes of mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a daily potassium intake of at least 3,510 mg for adults, while the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and recommend 4700 mg per day.Īccording to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), most American adults consume too much sodium and too little potassium. To maintain a healthy blood pressure, getting enough potassium in the diet is as important as lowering sodium intake. Share on Pinterest Butternut squash contains a sizeable helping of potassium, which experts have shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure.
