Delicata Squash: 6 Benefits & Uses

Delicata squash comes in a yellow, tan or cream color with green stripes. The fiber-rich food has a sweet flavor and boasts plenty of nutritional value. Delicata squash benefits include the ability promote strong bones, strengthen the immune system and encourage healthy cell production.

Delicata Squash Benefits

1. Gluten-Free Option

Delicata squash benefits the body as a gluten-free alternative to pasta. Delicata squash can be eaten with tomato sauce as a nutritious gluten-free meal for those who have allergies or sensitivities to gluten. It provides the body with fiber, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and calcium.

2. Provides the Body with Fiber

Delicata squash benefits the body by providing it with a steady source of fiber. As a high-fiber food, delicata squash benefits include the ability to aid in digestion. The body utilizes fiber to promote regular and healthy bowel movements. Delicata squash and other high-fiber foods can help prevent digestive issues such as constipation, bloating and diarrhea. Fiber also helps to lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels.

3. Encourages Healthy Cell Production

Delicata squash benefits include healthy cell production. Delicata squash contains iron, which the body utilizes for protein formation. Iron plays a role in forming proteins that provide oxygen to the body, muscles and bloodstream. Eating delicata squash and other high-iron foods on a regular basis can also help prevent an iron deficiency. Delicata squash benefits the body by preventing symptoms of an iron deficiency, including fatigue, headaches, dizziness and confusion. (1)

4. Builds Healthy Bones and Reduces the Risk of Osteoporosis

Thanks to the calcium it contains, delicata squash benefits the body by building strong bones. The body uses calcium to minimize bone loss and prevent osteoporosis. Calcium-rich foods like delicata squash help maintain strong bones and healthy teeth to prevent age-related bone loss and fractures. (2)

5. Enhances Eyesight

Delicata squash benefits include the ability to enhance eyesight. Delicata squash contains Vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision. The body uses Vitamin A to help produce pigments in the eyes that enable the eyes to see the full spectrum light. Vitamin A deficiency is known as the number one cause of preventable blindness in the world. Regularly consuming delicata squash and other foods that are rich in Vitamin A can help prevent eye problems such dry eyes and night blindness.

6. Helps Fight Illness

Delicata squash benefits include the ability to help protect the body from illness and disease. It contains a high amount of Vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant to help strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown that Vitamin C provides numerous health benefits for the body, including the ability to fight off both bacterial and viral infections. Regular consumption of Vitamin C foods can help protect the immune system. (3)