{"id":420967,"date":"2010-03-12T13:32:32","date_gmt":"2010-03-12T18:32:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/green.yahoo.com\/blog\/ecomii_healthy_living\/88\/acorn-squash-a-rock-star-among-superfoods.html"},"modified":"2010-03-12T13:32:32","modified_gmt":"2010-03-12T18:32:32","slug":"acorn-squash-a-rock-star-among-superfoods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/420967","title":{"rendered":"Acorn squash: A rock star among superfoods!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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(Photo: Joseph A. Garcia)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Winter squash is actually grown from late summer through December and has a satisfying flavor, luscious texture and extensive shelf life. For locavores, who support sustainable <\/a>agriculture by eating seasonal foods<\/a> grown within a 100-mile radius, this versatile vegetable has a lot to offer.<\/p>\n

Acorn squash is prized for its sweet golden flesh and unique ribbed shell, which makes attractive scalloped bowls when halved and a handy case for savory stuffing.<\/p>\n

Acorn squash is a very good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, as well as manganese, thiamin and potassium. One cup of cooked acorn squash has 115 calories 9 grams of fiber and 895 mg of potassium.<\/p>\n

Potassium<\/a> is an essential mineral that is integral to the functioning of all living cells. Important to maintaining electrolyte balance and the proper function of the muscles, brain and nervous system, adequate intake of potassium also helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke. 1<\/sup><\/p>\n

A medium banana or a cup of cubed melon contains about 500 mg of potassium and with almost 900 mg of this all-important mineral this nut-shaped squash is a veritable \u2018rock star.\u2019<\/p>\n

Acorn squash is also an excellent source of vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, an antioxidant<\/a> with many health benefits.\u00a0 Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties associated with beta-carotene may help reduce the severity of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis<\/a> and asthma<\/a>, all of which involve inflammation. 2 3<\/sup><\/p>\n

Acorn squash is a good source of folate, a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food, (folic acid is the synthetic form found in supplements.) Folate may help prevent certain birth defects4<\/sup> and has been shown to help protect colon cells from the effects of cancer-causing chemicals. Diets high in folate are associated with a significantly reduced risk of colon cancer.5 6<\/sup><\/p>\n

Acorn Squash is nutrient dense and certainly full of health benefits but its also really delicious.<\/p>\n

Choose firm, smooth-skinned dark green acorn squash with some yellow-orange coloring that feels heavy for its size. Acorn squash is easy to prepare.\u00a0 Simply cut in half, scoop out the seeds bake for an hour face down in a shallow baking pan in an inch of water.<\/p>\n

Acorn squash with cranberry stuffing is a delightful dish with an elegant presentation. The moist and flavorful cranberry-studded filling comes together quickly while the squash bakes and offers complimentary texture and color to a dish lovely enough for a dinner party.<\/p>\n

Marie Oser<\/a> is a best-selling author, writer\/producer and host of VegTV<\/a>. Follow Marie on Twitter: http:\/\/twitter.com\/vegtv.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Acorn squash with cranberry stuffing<\/h3>\n

From More Soy Cooking, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., \u00a9 Marie Oser 2000<\/em><\/p>\n

Makes 4 servings<\/strong><\/p>\n