Summer squash is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is perfect for those looking for a low-calorie option. With only 6 calories per ounce when drained, cooked, and boiled without salt, this versatile ingredient is a great addition to any diet.

Summer squash is a great source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients provide many health benefits, including promoting skin health, enhancing digestion, and helping with weight loss.

In this article, we'll explore the many ways that summer squash can benefit your health and provide practical tips for incorporating it into your meals.

High in Nutrients

Summer squash is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients help maintain a healthy immune system, support heart health, and promote digestion. One cup of summer squash contains about 10% of the daily recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin C, 8% of the DRI of potassium, and 6% of the DRI of magnesium. Additionally, the fiber in summer squash can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Adding summer squash to your diet is an easy way to boost your nutrient intake and support your overall health.

Low-Calorie Option

At only 6 calories per ounce, summer squash is an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake. It is also low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals. Summer squash is also very filling due to its high fiber content, which can help you feel full and satisfied longer. This can be especially helpful for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. By replacing higher calorie ingredients with summer squash in your meals, you can reduce your calorie intake and improve your overall health.

Easy to Prepare

Summer squash is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. It can be sautéed, grilled, roasted, or used in soups, stews, and casseroles. It can also be used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps for added crunch and nutrition. To prepare summer squash, simply wash it, trim off the ends, and cut it into desired shapes and sizes. It can be cooked with a variety of seasonings and spices to enhance its flavor. Adding summer squash to your meals is an easy and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Versatile Ingredient

Summer squash can be used in a variety of recipes, including casseroles, salads, soups, and stir-fries. It can also be used in baked goods like muffins, bread, and cakes for added nutrition and flavor. Summer squash has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with many other ingredients, including garlic, onion, tomatoes, and herbs like basil and oregano. Get creative and experiment with different recipes and flavor combinations to find new and exciting ways to incorporate summer squash into your meals.

May Promote Skin Health

Summer squash is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. The antioxidants in summer squash, including beta-carotene and lutein, may also help protect skin cells from damage caused by UV radiation and environmental toxins. By incorporating summer squash into your diet, you can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy, vibrant skin.

May Enhance Digestion

The fiber in summer squash helps promote healthy digestion by adding bulk to stool and preventing constipation. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. Additionally, the high water content in summer squash can help keep you hydrated and support proper digestion. By adding summer squash to your meals, you can support gut health and promote healthy digestion.

May Help with Weight Loss

Summer squash is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a perfect addition to a weight loss diet. The fiber in summer squash can help you feel full and satisfied longer, reducing the need for frequent snacking or overeating. In addition, the high water content in summer squash can help keep you hydrated and support weight loss by flushing out toxins and reducing water retention. By incorporating summer squash into your meals, you can support your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.

May Lower Cholesterol

The fiber in summer squash can help reduce cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the digestive system and removing them from the body. Additionally, the nutrients in summer squash, including magnesium and potassium, have been shown to support heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. By incorporating summer squash into your diet, you can help support healthy cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

May Boost Immunity

Summer squash is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infections and diseases. The antioxidants in summer squash, including beta-carotene and lutein, may also help boost the immune system by protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. By incorporating summer squash into your diet, you can support your immune system and improve your overall health.

May Improve Eye Health

Summer squash is a good source of beta-carotene and lutein, two antioxidants that are essential for eye health. These nutrients help protect the eyes from damage caused by UV radiation and reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, the vitamin C in summer squash may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases. By adding summer squash to your diet, you can support healthy vision and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.