101 Best Superfoods

Hey everyone. This will be a series of the 101 best superfoods out there. The term superfoods gets tossed around all over the place. It is a bit of a marketing tool that can trick people into thinking that they are eating healthy. This series of posts is more concerned about eating real. whole foods and their benefits, as opposed to looking into the latest diet fad. When it comes to eating food, whole foods are your best bet. It is also a good idea to buy local, in season foods as well. This could be from your local farmer's market, or just be knowing which foods grow best during which seasons. Now lets get to today's superfood...

Today's superfood is Butternut Squash. This is perfect for the fall/winter season. Butternut squash has a sweet and buttery taste that is full of nutrition. It has a tough shell that allows for longer storage without compromising quality. Butternut squash is loaded with beta-carotene. This is what gives butternut squash its orange-yellow color. This means it is loaded with Vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a potent anti-oxidant that protects the body's cells from harm caused by exposure to tobacco, sunlight, radiation, and other potentially cancer-causing substances.

Butternut squash is also a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is another antioxidant that helps shield the body from insults that can trigger cancerous changes and damage blood vessels. Vitamin C is also essential for a healthy immune system. Butternut squash is available year round, but its peak is fall through winter. Choose one that is firm and free of bruises, punctures, and cuts. Whole squash does not need to be refrigerated and can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks. You can also purchase frozen or precut in the refrigerated produce department.

The simplest way to prepare butternut squash is to cut it in half and bake or microwave. To help soften the skin, microwave for 3-5 minutes. Cut in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and proceed with cooking or peeling. Add butternut squash to soups, stews, or serve it as a side with a little garlic and cheese.

Well there you have it for now. I hope you learned something new today. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you again soon. Be on the lookout for the next post in this series. Take care.