What to do with that Winter Squash?
Do you have a squash looking at you funny? Yeah, the one in the cupboard, sitting there, waiting, waiting, waiting... Waiting for what exactly? How about waiting for one superbly delicious, oh-so-easy-to-make raw recipe? Raw recipe for squash coming up!
But before, have you thought about all the nutrition that humble squash contains? Winter squash is an excellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber. It also is a good source of folate, vitamins B1 and B6, niacin and pantothenic acid, as well as copper and omega-3.
We know that beta-carotene is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. It inhibits, among other things, the oxidation of cholesterol which sticks to the wall of blood vessels creating cardiac problems. Beta-carotene is also useful in the prevention of problems relating to diabetes as it fights free radicals. Moreover, the carotenoids in winter squash would appear to be helpful in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Research shows that the more carotenoids are in a body, the less there is insulin resistance or problems with elevated blood sugar levels.
To crown it all, anti-inflammatory properties of winter squashes appear to help reduce the severity of problems such as asthma, arthritis and rheumatism.
The potassium in these squashes helps reduce arterial pressure, apparently; the vitamin C would appear to reduce problems of inflammation and would even reduce the progression of illnesses such as arthritis and cardiac problems related to diabetes. The fiber helps fight heart and colon diseases, by stopping the toxic content of the intestins to adhere to the cell walls and helping the evacuation of this waste.
Folate is indispensable for expecting mothers to have a healthy baby. It is important to ensure sufficient uptake before, during and after pregnancy (especially if breast-feeding). This substance protects cells of the intestin from the toxic effects of waste moving through it, especially in alcool-abusing people.
After looking at this information, doesn't that squash look a lot more interesting? Go ahead. Eat the thing with voracious appetite, the appetite of health and vitality brought on by eating a raw and living foods diet.
This recipe, Marine Squash, can be made with all types of winter squash: pumpkin, turban, butternut, buttercup, Hubbard, etc... Tastebuds... Experiment!
Last Updated on Friday, 12 February 2010 18:48
