Butternut squash has a wonderful flavor to it. I love it in pies and smoothies. It’s also very healthy as it is highly rich in beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid, and also contains some vitamin C and vitamin E. These are all antioxidant vitamins which help your body fight free radicals. In addition to bolstering your immune system, these antioxidants have certain specific roles.
Vitamin A plays an important role in the health of your vision and bones. It has other health benefits as well.
Vitamin E is important not only for a healthy immune system but also for a healthy metabolism. It also helps prevent coronary heart disease, and protects your eyes, reducing the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Studies have also shown that it reduces cognitive deterioration associated with neurogenerative diseases.
Vitamin C is important for the health of your bones, connective tissue, teeth and gums, while also helping the body absorb iron. It also helps your body heal if you’ve sustained burns or injuries.
Butternut squash also contains B vitamins and a number of minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
The healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) in avocados help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin E (so it’s a great idea to add it to a fruit or vegetable smoothie), while also lowering your bad (lousy ) cholesterol (LDL) and your triglycerides.
Avocado also comes packed with many phytonutrient antioxidants. Two of them are carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. They also prevent heart disease and stroke and may lower the risk of breast and lung cancer.
So eat avocados (incorporating them in smoothies is a great way to enjoy them), and don’t be put off by the fact that they have a rather high calorie content (300 calories for a typical avocado). Ah, and besides what I’ve mentioned so far, they contain vitamins A, C, E themselves, and almost half of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K and fiber. Avocados also contain B vitamins as well as potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, and other minerals.
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Comments
I can't believe it's the season for this smoothie again. I may buy maple syrup for it. Unfortunately it's very expensive over here.
Avocadoes ripen faster in a paper bag with or without a banana, but bananas speed up the process. Apparently so do apples and tomatoes!
Mira, Avocado, butternut squash, cinnamon, honey, and nutmeg are delicious! The maple syrup option is something that I need to try.
Is there something other than a banana for bag-ripening?
I like that idea, too :)
This would be a great idea for later in the day, when people are starting to get a little hungry again after eating a big Thanksgiving meal.
I imagine adding some melon would make it even better. I'll have to try it too. Last time I did a smoothie for 2 with 1/2 avocado, 2 slices of melon, 1 banana, and some orange juice. It tasted great, if I may say so myself :)
My pleasure, looking forward to your new creations.
I'm gonna have to get my hands on some chia seeds soon :). Thank you, Katie, you're an inspiration.:)) I can't wait.
Chia seeds turn to a gelatin type substance when added to water. My daughter makes pudding using them all the time, she adds 1/2 cup warm water,1 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon chia seeds to make a nice sweet treat, it turns to a pudding like consistency in just a few minutes.
Right, that's a good idea (for the consistency). I also think that adding something like cranberries will work nicely (for the flavor).
I haven't tried chia seeds yet, and am eager to. I hear they expand in your stomach to a huge degree, which means you can take smaller meals (and lose weight). It's certainly a great idea for when you don't even have time to sit and enjoy a regular meal, and have to eat at the computer (which unfortunately happens sometimes).
Maybe flax seed or chia seeds, they turn to a jello type consistency when they become wet.