Whether you’re looking for a grain free alternative to pasta, or you’re just looking for a great vegetable to add to your diet, spaghetti squash is a great and healthy option.
This healthy vegetable gets its name because once baked, the meat of the squash looks (and can be used) like the popular long noodle.
The nutritional value of spaghetti squash largely comes from its ability to replace traditional pasta. The list of nutrients in spaghetti squash tends to be favorable for most people compared to processed pasta. While pasta is made from processed grains, spaghetti squash can stand on its own as a good whole food option.
Nutritional Value of Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is low in carbs, making a great food for low-carb diets. It’s a good source of manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
Like butternut squash, this is a winter squash, meaning it is harvested in late fall and can be stored for the winter.
The biggest health benefits come from substituting high-carb, high-calorie traditional pasta with this healthier option.
In addition to being a low-carb, low-calorie option, spaghetti squash also has many important health benefits to keep in mind.
Omega-3
The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio is another great benefit. While the overall levels of these fats are low, omega-3 is still higher than omega-6, which is great because most people get far too much omega-6 and the imbalance causes inflammation throughout the body. Pasta, on the other hand, is quite high in omega-6 and has almost no omega-3. This imbalance feeds inflammation and your body and brain suffer because of it. Comparing spaghetti squash to traditional spaghetti, the fatty acid ratios of squash is far healthier and will help minimize inflammation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is possibly the most important nutrient. You cannot survive without it, and it is important for fighting illness, inflammation, and stress. This is an antioxidant vitamin. It fights oxidative stress and helps keep you healthy. While vitamin C can be found in many fruits, most of them are high in sugar, so it is good to try and get this vitamin from low-sugar foods like spaghetti squash.
Vitamin B6
Wheat and grains in general are one of the easiest ways to get your daily value of vitamin B6, so you are going to lose some of the same levels of this vitamin by switching from traditional pasta to spaghetti squash. That being said, this squash still contains this important vitamin.
Vitamin B6 is a co-factor for many metabolic functions. We need this vitamin to be able to metabolize glucose, amino acids, and lipids. These functions allow us to break down the resources into usable energy and separate the waste. This is vitamin for maintaining proper energy levels, burning fat, and recovery.
You can discover even more gluten free vitamin B6 food options by clicking here.
Spaghetti Squash Seeds
Spaghetti squash is part of the pumpkin family, and has some of the same amazing health benefits. One similarity is the health benefits from the seeds. These two members of the squash family have similar seeds that can be prepared the same way, and they’re both a great source of many important minerals.
One of the greatest benefits from the seeds is the high levels of zinc. Getting enough zinc can help prevent inflammation and reduce acne.
Zinc is also incredibly beneficial for men. It has been shown to increase testosterone levels and sperm count. It is also important for prostate health, promoting healthy prostate function and helps prevent prostate cancer.
Try spaghetti squash this winter and revolutionize the way you do pasta.
