Banana squash is called like that because it is shaped like a huge banana and it’s a member of the squash family. It is said to be native to South America and made its way to North America in the late 1490s.
There are many different varieties of banana squash, and that’s why they come in a wide array of colors — some are orange and some are yellow, while there are also blue and green as well as variegated ones. Having bright colors is great news because it only signifies that banana squash is loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Despite of the different coloration, they are all pretty much the same inside when ripe, sporting the color of squash.
Just like your regular squash, there are so many ways to have banana squash incorporated in one’s diet. In fact, it can be cooked and served in the same way as you would squash, such as in the form of soup or pie. Roasting the seeds of banana squash is also commonly done so that it may be consumed as a snack or topping.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the health benefits offered by banana squash:
Strong Immune System
Being that banana squash in rich in vitamin C, its regular consumption helps strengthen your immune system. Having a strong immune system lowers your risk of going down with a cold or the flu.
Young-Looking Skin
Vitamin C found in banana squash is also beneficial most especially for beauty-conscious individuals. That’s because this nutrient helps keep the skin looking young by fighting off free radicals. What’s more, vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis. Collagen is a type of protein that makes the skin firm and wrinkle-free.
Inflammation-Free Joints
Collagen not only makes the skin appear youthful, but also keeps the joints free of pain and inflammation. It’s for the fact that it’s also important for the maintenance of tissues in the joints that serve as cushions. So if you’re often bugged by achy and swollen joints, make sure that you regularly consume vitamin C-containing banana squash.
Tougher Bones
Banana squash also supplies the body with calcium. As everybody knows, the said mineral is necessary for making the bones strong, thus helping to reduce one’s risk of ending up with osteoporosis.
Stronger Choppers, Too
Calcium is also necessitated by your teeth for strength. If you can’t imagine a life without flashing a smile every now and then, see to it that you eat banana squash on a regular basis because it has calcium in it. Having strong teeth helps lower your odds of having cavities and tooth decay.
Sharp Vision
Another nutrient that is found abundantly in banana squash is vitamin A — the color of this vegetable is a clear sign! Due to this, the inclusion of banana squash in your diet can help in keeping your vision sharp.
Normal Blood Pressure
Consuming banana squash is also recommended if you have high blood pressure because it contains potassium, which is known to help ward off hypertension. Since banana squash also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s something that can contribute to the overall health of your heart.
Reduced Anemia Risk
Eating banana squash also helps save you from ending up with iron-deficiency anemia as it supplies your body with iron. Having this type of anemia causes the various tissues of your body to fail to get enough oxygen.
Optimum Digestion
Do you often find yourself constipated? Then make it a habit to eat banana squash on a regular basis. Loaded with fiber, it helps in keeping you regular. Banana squash is also perfect for weight-watchers, thanks to its fiber content. Since it feels heavy in the tummy, banana squash can save you from feeling hungry of having bouts of cravings.
