Survey Of World

Is Butternut Squash Good for You? Calories, Carbs, and More

Butternut squash is an orange-fleshed winter squash, celebrated for its versatility and sweet, nutty flavor.

Though commonly thought of as a vegetable, butternut squash is technically a fruit.

It has many culinary uses and makes a great addition to many sweet and savory recipes.

Butternut squash is not only tasty but also packs a punch of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

This article tells you everything you need to know about butternut squash, including its nutrition, health benefits, and how to add it to your diet.

Rich in Nutrients and Low in Calories

Though you can eat butternut squash raw, this winter squash is commonly roasted or baked.

One cup (205 grams) of cooked butternut squash provides (1Trusted Source):

• Calories: 82
• Carbs: 22 grams
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Vitamin A: 457% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
• Vitamin C: 52% of the RDI
• Vitamin E: 13% of the RDI
• Thiamine (B1): 10% of the RDI
• Niacin (B3): 10% of the RDI
• Pyridoxine (B6): 13% of the RDI
• Folate (B9): 10% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 15% of the RDI
• Potassium: 17% of the RDI
• Manganese: 18% of the RDI

As you can see, butternut squash is low in calories but loaded with important nutrients.

Aside from the vitamins and minerals listed above, it’s also a good source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, and copper.

SUMMARY

• Butternut squash is low in calories but high in many nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
• Butternut squash is an excellent source of provitamin A carotenoids, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
• The high antioxidant content of butternut squash may reduce your risk of certain conditions, including heart disease, lung cancer, and mental decline.
• Butternut squash is low in calories and packed with fiber — making it a great choice for any healthy weight loss plan.
• Butternut squash can be added to a wide variety of both sweet and savory recipes, such as stews and pies.
• Since squash contains seeds and develops from the flower-producing part of a plant, it is botanically a fruit.
• Even though squash is botanically a fruit, it is predominantly cooked like a vegetable
• Squash is available year-round in most places. Winter squash is often served stuffed with other foods or as an addition to soups and vegetable dishes, whereas summer squash is popular in baked goods and as a low-carb noodle alternative.