Recent Research Shows That Butternut Squash Juice Reduces Wrinkles!
Historical Highlights
For thousands of years, squash has been grown and eaten worldwide, from the Americas, particularly Central America, to Egypt and Asia, and is one of the earliest foods to be farmed. ‘Butternut pumpkin,’ the name given to butternut squash in New Zealand and Australia is a ‘winter squash,’ harvested in autumn. It is believed to have originated in the US, having been a staple of Native Americans. The butternut variety itself was developed in Massachusetts in 1944. There is some disagreement as to who first created this particular squash variety – either Charles Leggett of Stow, MA or Robert E. Young of Waltham, MA.
Nutritional Highlights
Butternut squash juice is a great source of protein and antioxidants with recent research showing potent properties for fighting colon cancer.
Amazing Benefits
Butternut squash contains no cholesterol or saturated fats. Low in sodium and calories, abundant in antioxidants and vitamins, it is an exceptional source of protein, healthy carbohydrates, natural fiber and nutritional fatty acids.
Let’s explore the vitamin content. Butternut juice is one of the richest sources of vitamin A which is important for healthy vision, and also to lower appetite, fight bacterial growth, inhibit viruses, decrease the risk of cancer and protect against stroke. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, promotes the healing of wounds and lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol. Butternut is also rich in B vitamins (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9) which strengthen the heart, assist in digestion and muscle development, manufacture energy, lower ‘bad cholesterol’ and raise ‘good cholesterol’, reduce the risk of heart attack and hardening of the arteries, lower stress, increase sexual performance and prevent skin and nerve damage. B9 (folic acid) in particular lowers the risk of birth defects during pregnancy, protects against certain types of anemia and in recent studies may also decrease the development of cancer.
Butternut is a rich source of antioxidants. Cryptoxanthin is a particularly potent anti-oxidant, defending against certain cancers, stroke and heart attack. It assists in reducing ‘bad’ cholesterol and supports healthy vision. Zeaxanthin defends our eyes from cancer-causing UV rays. Finally, butternut squash juice contains another antioxidant, Lutein, which augments vision and in combination with zeaxanthin defends against macular degeneration. Recent research suggests that lutein helps deter the development of colon cancer.
Minerals in butternut include potassium which helps to maintain a healthy heart by sustaining a strong heart rhythm and blood pressure. Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, prevents anemia, defends against skin damage, and helps to fend off the aging process. Calcium maintains strong bones and teeth. Phosphorus has a crucial role in helping the body store energy and heal damaged tissue and cells, and in combination with the B-vitamins boosts the healthy function of the heart, kidney and nervous system. Butternut also contains high levels of zinc, magnesium, copper and manganese. These minerals play a host of important functions including fighting harmful free radicals and improving our vision and skin.
Favorite Recipes
Butternut Squash Apple Spice
2 cups Butternut Squash – cubed with skin
1 Apple – skin, seeds and all!
2 stems of Kale
1 stalk Celery
Cinnamon to taste
Butternut Squash Pear Juice
2 cups Butternut Squash – cubed with skin
1 Pear – skin, seeds and all!
1 thumb Ginger
More recipes can be found in Juicing & Smoothie Recipes That Heal! available here in the box on the right and for Kindle, Nook and iPad users at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks.
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