Summer squash is a tasty and nutritious ingredient that can easily be incorporated into your diet. At just 20 calories per 100 g serving (with salt, drained, cooked, boiled), it's a great choice if you're looking for a low-calorie food that's also filling and flavorful.
In addition to being low in calories, summer squash is also rich in nutrients. It's a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all of which are important for maintaining good health.
In this article, we'll explore some of the many benefits of incorporating summer squash into your diet, as well as some easy and delicious ways to prepare it.
Low-Calorie Food
Summer squash is an excellent choice if you're trying to reduce your calorie intake. With just 20 calories per 100 g serving, it's a great way to add bulk to your meals without adding a lot of extra calories. By incorporating summer squash into your diet, you can still enjoy filling, flavorful meals without worrying about overeating or exceeding your daily calorie limits.
Rich in Nutrients
Summer squash is not only low in calories but also packed with nutrients. It's an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system and skin, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and prevent heart disease. In addition, summer squash is high in fiber, which can help improve digestion and promote feelings of fullness, making it a filling and satisfying choice for any meal.
Good for Digestion
The high fiber content of summer squash makes it a great food for promoting healthy digestion. Fiber helps move food through the digestive system, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. In addition, summer squash contains water, which helps keep the digestive tract hydrated and healthy.
Versatile Ingredient
One of the great things about summer squash is how versatile it is as an ingredient. It can be used in a wide variety of dishes, both savory and sweet, and can be cooked in many different ways. For example, you can roast summer squash with other vegetables for a healthy and flavorful side dish, or grill it on skewers with chicken or shrimp for a tasty summertime meal.
Helps in Weight Loss
If you're trying to lose weight, summer squash is a great ingredient to incorporate into your diet. It's low in calories but high in fiber, meaning it can help you feel full and satisfied while still staying within your daily calorie limits. In addition, the high water content of summer squash can help keep you hydrated, which is important for weight loss and overall health.
Improves Eye Health
Summer squash is also good for your eyes. It's a great source of vitamin A, a nutrient that's essential for healthy vision. By incorporating summer squash into your diet, you can help prevent eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration, and maintain good vision as you age.
Supports Heart Health
Another important benefit of summer squash is its ability to support heart health. The high potassium content of summer squash can help regulate blood pressure and prevent heart disease, while the fiber content can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve overall heart function. By eating summer squash regularly, you can help protect your cardiovascular system and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Boosts Immunity
Summer squash is also good for your immune system. It's a great source of vitamin C, a nutrient that's essential for the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which help protect the body against infections and other diseases. By incorporating summer squash into your diet, you can help boost your immune system and stay healthy all year long.
Easy to Prepare
One of the best things about summer squash is how easy it is to prepare. It can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or boiled, and requires very little prep work. In addition, summer squash can be used in a wide range of dishes, from stews and soups to salads and casseroles, making it a versatile ingredient that's perfect for any meal or occasion.
Pairs Well with Other Ingredients
Finally, summer squash is an ingredient that pairs well with many other flavors and ingredients. It can be combined with herbs like thyme and basil for a fresh and flavorful side dish, or with garlic and onions for a savory and satisfying main course. In addition, summer squash can be used in combination with other healthy ingredients like quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas for a protein-packed meal that's both delicious and nutritious.
5 FAQ about 100 G Summer Squash
1. What are the health benefits of summer squash?
Summer squash is a low-calorie vegetable, high in vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants and helps to maintain a healthy digestive tract.
2. How should I prepare summer squash?
Summer squash can be cooked in a variety of ways including boiling, steaming, roasting, sautéing, or grilling. It can also be used raw in salads or sliced and served as a healthy snack with hummus or dip.
3. How many calories are in 100g of boiled summer squash?
100g of boiled summer squash with salt and drained contains about 20 calories.
4. Can summer squash be frozen?
Yes, summer squash can be frozen. Cut the squash into slices, blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, cool, and then freeze in an airtight container.
5. What is the best way to store summer squash?
Summer squash should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container. It can last up to 5 days, but it is best to use it as soon as possible for optimal freshness and taste.