Summer squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals. One pound of crookneck and straightneck summer squash, when drained, cooked, and boiled without salt, contains only 91 calories. It's a great option for those looking to add healthy variety to their diet.
In addition to being low in calories, summer squash is also a good source of fiber, making it great for maintaining digestive health. It's also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and wellness.
Whether you're looking to lose weight or simply add some healthy variety to your diet, summer squash is a great choice. Let's take a closer look at the health benefits this versatile vegetable provides.
Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown
One pound of crookneck and straightneck summer squash, when drained, cooked, and boiled without salt, contains approximately 91 calories. It also contains 2 grams of protein and less than a gram of fat, making it a low-calorie and low-fat option for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Summer squash is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and wellness. One pound of crookneck and straightneck summer squash, when drained, cooked, and boiled without salt, provides approximately 50% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and 10% of the recommended daily value of vitamin A. It is also a good source of vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
Weight Loss Benefits
Summer squash is a low-calorie and low-fat vegetable that is filling and satisfying. It's also high in fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time. By incorporating summer squash into your diet, you can reduce your overall calorie intake while still feeling satisfied after meals.
Heart Health Benefits
Summer squash contains essential vitamins and minerals that support heart health, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. These nutrients help to regulate blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support overall cardiovascular function.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Summer squash contains polyphenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Enhances Digestion
Summer squash is high in fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements, reduce constipation, and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Boosts Immunity
Summer squash is high in vitamin C, which helps to support a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps to promote the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and disease.
Skin Health Benefits
Summer squash is rich in antioxidants that help to protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals. It's also high in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production and helps to keep skin looking youthful and radiant.
Culinary Uses
Summer squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be sliced, diced, or grated and used in salads, stir-fries, soups, and stews. It can also be grilled or roasted as a side dish or used as a healthy alternative to pasta in lasagna or other baked dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Summer squash can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Consider grilling it with other vegetables for a healthy side dish, or adding it to soups and stews for added flavor and nutrition. It can also be used as a healthy alternative to pasta in dishes like lasagna or spaghetti.
5 FAQs About Cooked Summer Squash
1. What is the nutritional value of 1 lb of cooked summer squash?
One pound of cooked summer squash without salt contains 91 calories. It also contains 4 grams of protein, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.4 grams of fat.
2. Is cooked summer squash a good source of vitamins and minerals?
Yes, cooked summer squash is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, and magnesium.
3. How should I prepare cooked summer squash?
Cooked summer squash can be prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming, sautéing, grilling, or roasting. It can be seasoned with herbs, spices, or a simple dressing made from olive oil and vinegar.
4. Are there any health benefits to eating cooked summer squash?
Yes, eating cooked summer squash may have several health benefits. It contains antioxidants that may help protect against certain diseases, and its high fiber content may promote healthy digestion.
5. Can cooked summer squash be frozen for later use?
Yes, cooked summer squash can be frozen for later use. It should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag, and can then be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.