““Poor eye sight can lead to poor performance.”“
This one is a creative and witty ad copy of a famous eyewear brand here in the country. Became popular due to billboards and commercial exposures, it easily became a resounding sentence for any ‘eye’ related talks. But before this tag line left recalls on our minds, there is one loud and clear phrase regarding about our eye health that our mother is fond of saying.
“Kumain ka ng kalabasa, pampalinaw ng mata.”
Well, what our moms said were true. Squash is not only valuable during Halloween as decoration but all year round as a good source of nutrients. Squash or Cucurbita Maxima is a common vegetable here in the Philippines. It is an herbaceous vine with a large fruit which varies in size fleshy with a yellow pup. This vegetable is known to be rich with vitamins good for eyes. But after several studies about this wonderful golden veggie, they found out that this vegetable has more to offer than making our visions clearer. Certainly, this veggie will make you change how you see it!
The Squash (Apple) of the Eye: Eye Catching Health Benefits
Here are some of the benefits of Squash
Immune System Health
Squash is rich with vitamins like Vitamin C, Magnesium, and even antioxidants. These helps neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism and some are the roots of illnesses which includes premature aging, heart disease and even cancer.
Eye Health
It contains high level of vitamin A in, including lutein and zeaxanthin which improves eye health and prevents cataract and other eye problems.
Managing diabetes
Squash is a great source of B-complex vitamins. This is essential in regulating sugar in the body. It also contains good amount of dietary fibers which can help blood sugar regulation. One of these is Pectin which ensures that insulin and glucose activities are constant and smooth.
Anti-Inflammatory Capacity
The presence of Omega 3 fatty acids, carotenoids like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, as well as somewhat unusual anti-inflammatory polysaccharides called homogalacturonan enables it to help fight inflammation with the body. This helps fight arthritis, gout and even fever.
Cancer Prevention
It has a high level of carotenes per serving, has built-in anti-cancer benefits. Beta-cryptoxanthin is one which helps in reduction of the possibilities of acquiring lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of this terrible disease, so an increase in foods that contain vitamin A can be a very important protective element. Also, β-carotene intake was significantly associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
Now you saw it!
Similar how squash helps in eye health, this should have made it clear that the squash is extremely beneficial to our health. But just mentioned above, squash is not only good for eyesight but for an overall health and body development as well. This is something we usually overlook or unseen. But with these health wonders of this golden veggie, there will be a clearer view of not just you vision but also the healthy future for your health and body. Now, you will look at a squash, and see it differently than before.
Eat squash today and see it for yourself!
About The Author
Reynald is an Oleia user and content contributor. He is a dreamer by night, a storyteller by day.His stories are told through the click of his camera lens and the strokes of his pen.
