Summer squash is a delicious, low-calorie vegetable that is perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. With only 36 calories in one cup of NFS cooked summer squash, it's a great addition to any meal.
Not only is summer squash low in calories, but it is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. One cup contains over 30% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 10% of your daily recommended intake of folate.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of eating summer squash and how to incorporate it into your diet. Whether you prefer it raw or cooked, there are endless possibilities when it comes to enjoying this versatile vegetable.
Low in calories and fat
As previously mentioned, summer squash is a great low-calorie option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. In addition to its low calorie count, summer squash is also low in fat. By substituting summer squash for higher calorie and higher fat vegetables such as potatoes or corn, you can easily reduce your overall calorie and fat intake without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Loaded with vitamins and minerals
Summer squash is packed with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health and wellbeing. In addition to being a great source of vitamin C and folate, summer squash also contains significant amounts of vitamin A, potassium, and manganese.
Easy to cook and versatile
One of the great things about summer squash is how easy it is to cook and incorporate into meals. Whether you prefer it roasted, sautéed, baked, or grilled, summer squash can be cooked in a variety of ways and pairs well with a wide range of flavors and seasonings.
Great addition to any meal
Summer squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a great addition to any meal. Whether you're making a stir-fry, pasta dish, or salad, summer squash can add a delicious, nutritious boost of flavor and texture.
Perfect for a healthy diet
If you're looking to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, summer squash is a great choice. Not only is it low in calories and fat, but it's also high in fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. By incorporating summer squash into your meals, you can easily increase your nutrient intake without sacrificing flavor or satiety.
Can be eaten raw or cooked
Summer squash is a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. If you prefer it raw, try adding it to salads or serving it as a crudité with your favorite dip. If you prefer it cooked, try roasting or grilling it for a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Helps with digestion
Summer squash is a great source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. By including summer squash in your diet, you can promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Boosts immune system
Summer squash is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for immune system function. By consuming vitamin C-rich foods like summer squash, you can help strengthen your immune system and ward off illness and infection.
May help prevent cancer
Some studies have suggested that the antioxidants in summer squash may help prevent certain types of cancer. While more research is needed in this area, incorporating summer squash into your diet as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may be beneficial for cancer prevention.
Fresh and flavorful
Summer squash is an incredibly fresh and flavorful vegetable that can add a pop of color and taste to any meal. With its mild and slightly sweet flavor, summer squash pairs well with a variety of seasonings and can be easily incorporated into a wide range of dishes.
Adding summer squash to your meals is an easy and delicious way to increase your nutrient intake and maintain a healthy diet.
5 FAQ About Cooked Summer Squash
1. What is summer squash?
Summer squash is a type of vegetable that is harvested during the summer season. It comes in many varieties, including zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan squash, and is often used in recipes that call for sautéing, grilling, or roasting.
2. How many calories are in one cup of cooked summer squash?
One cup of cooked summer squash has just 36 calories. This makes it a great low-calorie option for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. What nutrients are found in summer squash?
Summer squash is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. It also contains potassium, magnesium, and other important nutrients that are essential for overall health and wellness.
4. How should I store summer squash?
To keep summer squash fresh, store it in a cool, dry place for up to a week. You can also store it in the fridge for a longer period of time, but be sure to use it within a few days of purchase to prevent it from going bad.
5. What are some ways to cook summer squash?
Summer squash can be prepared in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, roasting, or boiling. It can also be used in salads, soups, and stir-fry dishes. Whatever method you choose, be sure not to overcook it, as it can become mushy and lose its flavor.