Who can resist the smooth, mellow flavor of summer squash, grilled to perfection on a warm evening?

Sound good? Loads of squash fans agree this time of year.

While “summer” squash is available year round, now’s the time you find it paired with other seasonal fare like onions, peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes — on salads, in soups, and sandwiches.

Are there particular benefits for including summer squash in your diet?

You bet!

  • Summer squash is a premier antioxidant. Eat the flesh, skin, and seeds for full benefits.
  • Summer squash is great for blood sugar regulation. It helps keep insulin metabolism and blood sugar levels balanced, insulating against type 2 diabetes.
  • Summer squash helps reduce and prevent inflammation.The presence of omega-3 fats, carotenoids, and polysaccharide assures that squash  is valuable protection against unwanted inflammation.
  • Summer squash is excellent for prostate health. Seeds and seed oil of summer squash have been used to lower frequency of urination, connected to benign swelling of the prostate gland.
  • Summer squash is known for its anti-microbial properties, and the seeds for their anti-parasitic properties.
  • Summer squash is being researched for its likely anti-cancer support, given its richness in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

In the U.S., you’re likely to find three main types of summer squash:

  • Zucchini, is grown on flowering plants with edible flowers. The green, not the yellow, variety is usually found in the store.
  • Crookneck and straightneck squash, yellow in color, are what we generally view as “summer” squash, and are very popular.
  • Scallop squashes, or pattypan squashes, are saucer-shaped and vary in color. They have slightly sweeter flesh and may be referred to as “scallopini” or “button squash.”

The healthiest way to eat summer squash is to saute them. It affords the greatest flavor and nutrient retention. Because the squash skin is significantly antioxidant-rich, cook and eat it with the skin intact. Consider purchasing organic summer squash to ward off any potential unwanted cultivating contaminants.

Read the full article here: Squash, summer