{"id":104573,"date":"2019-12-17T11:19:13","date_gmt":"2019-12-17T18:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=104573"},"modified":"2022-03-14T06:06:54","modified_gmt":"2022-03-14T13:06:54","slug":"4-reasons-we-love-kabocha-squash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/diet-nutrition\/4-reasons-we-love-kabocha-squash\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Reasons We Love Kabocha Squash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Winter produce is coming\u2026and we can\u2019t stop thinking about all the culinary magic that is about to happen in our kitchen. Even though we miss the warmth of summer and the squash varieties that came with it, we can now look forward to winter squash<\/a> instead. One of the most delicious winter squash varieties is the kabocha squash, also known as the Japanese pumpkin, which is an unassuming gem that is often neglected in most grocery stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Widely used in Japanese and Korean cooking, kabocha squash has a sweet buttery flavor and a velvety smooth texture. It\u2019s almost like a cross between pumpkin and sweet potatoes, and it\u2019s got the beta-carotene to prove it. In fact, one serving of kabocha squash satisfies 70 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin A<\/a>. So don\u2019t let the green and bumpy exterior intimidate you or scare you away from cooking with it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it is classically battered and fried in Japanese cuisine, kabocha squash is great when roasted, steamed and then pureed into a soup, roasted and then mashed, or simmered in a curry. Some people even cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and bake the halves in the oven until they are beautifully tender. How you prepare it is entirely up to you, but we encourage you to experiment with it. It\u2019s in season, after all. Read more about kabocha squash\u2019s benefits below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While kabocha may fall in butternut squash\u2019s shadow, it has fewer calories per cup (40 calories) than butternut squash (60 calories). Kabocha contains fewer than half the amount of carbs<\/a> of butternut squash (7 grams vs. 16 grams), and it is rich in dietary fiber<\/a>, which works to help you feel full between meals. As we mentioned earlier, eating this squash will help you increase your beta-carotene intake, which benefits white blood cells, eyesight, the hair, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a study that was published by Dr. Abdulla A. Alghasham in the International Journal of Health Sciences<\/em>, certain squash varieties contain a unique antioxidant known as cucurbitacin. Research indicates that it can inhibit cancer cell proliferation<\/a> and induce apoptosis, and that it can slow the progression of cancer in the body. These preliminary studies are positive, but more research needs to be done to support these initial findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to the beta-carotene content, kabocha squash is an excellent food for your ski<\/a>n. Studies show that regularly consuming beta-carotene can reduce acne scars and blemishes, improving overall skin complexion<\/a>. The antioxidants also work to fight oxidative stress in the skin, reducing inflammation that can cause wrinkles or dark spots, commonly associated with aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is Kabocha Squash?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Prepare Kabocha?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Dieter\u2019s Delight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Anti-cancer Potential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Great For The Skin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stabilizes Blood Sugar Levels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n