A nutritionist recalls the benefits of this vegetable as we age.
So good for health and yet too little on the plates of seniors. In this cold and wet season, it is the ideal time to enjoy the benefits of butternut. This vegetable is increasingly trendy in France and valued by nutritionists. From the squash family – like pumpkin, gourd and pumpkin – butternut is very pleasant to eat. Soft, creamy and fragrant with a slight nutty taste, it is appreciated in soup or gratin, with a little nutmeg, cream or even cinnamon. Eating it as you age is therefore particularly useful. Mainly for three reasons.
The first concerns the heart. “For heart health – and overall health – we are always looking for ways to increase our daily fiber intake” recalls nutritionist Robin DeCicco to Fox News. She recommends turning to pumpkin (America’s flagship vegetable), which is “a good source”. But butternut is even more interesting with 2% fiber (compared to 0.5% for pumpkin). Butternut also contains potassium (340 mg/100 g), which improves heart health by countering the effect of sodium on blood pressure, and magnesium, which also contributes to good cardiovascular health.
The second reason to eat it more often after age 60: butternut protects the body from the harm of aging thanks to its antioxidants (beta-carotene, carotenoids, vitamins A, C and E). “Research links a diet rich in antioxidants to a reduced risk of inflammatory diseases” underlines the nutritionist. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which slows cellular aging and helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The third reason: help lower blood sugar. Butternut provides fiber which slows the absorption of carbohydrates, which moderates the rise in blood sugar levels after meals. It also has a low to moderate glycemic index. Studies confirm that a regular intake of vegetables rich in fiber and carotenoids can help stabilize blood sugar levels in the long term.
Butternut squash is an interesting food from a nutritional point of view, especially after the age of 60: it provides fiber useful to the heart and digestion, carotenoids associated with better cellular protection, and a moderate intake of carbohydrates compatible with good blood sugar management. All while remaining pleasant to eat and comforting on cold winter evenings. It is a seasonal ally that should no longer be forgotten to support the body.
