What Is Yellow Squash?
Yellow squash is a type of summer squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons. It’s typically harvested while still immature, which gives it a tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Yellow squash is commonly used in a variety of dishes, both cooked and raw.
Botanically, yellow squash is actually a fruit since it comes from a flower and contains seeds. Foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are also considered fruits by botanists, but treated as vegetables in the kitchen.
What Are The Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Squash?
Yellow Squash is a nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6, folate, beta-carotene, potassium, fiber, lutein, manganese, antioxidants, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Yellow squash is low in calories and has a low glycemic index of about 15. These factors makes it a popular choice for healthy cooking.
Nutritional Support and Healthy Aging
Yellow squash offers several nutritional benefits that support healthy aging, thanks to its content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Here’s how it contributes to aging well.
- Brain and cognitive health
- Heart health
- Eye health
- Bone health
- Muscle maintenance and metabolism
- Immune support and cellular protection
- Digestive health
How To Prepare Yellow Squash
- Sautéed, grilled, roasted, or steamed.
- Added to stir-fries, casseroles, soups, or salads.
- Spiralized as a low-carb pasta alternative.
Irene Pastore Fitness.com 