All You Need to Know about the Nutritional Value of Spaghetti Squash

People living out of America may not be familiar with the vegetable called spaghetti squash. If you know what it is, you might be a bit apprehensive before trying it. But if we tell you what is the nutritional value of spaghetti squash and how nutritious it is, then you probably want to give it a try.

Unlike many other winter squashes in the United States, spaghetti squash originally belongs to China. An agricultural research facility in Japan, Burpee Seed Co. introduced winter squash vegetables in the United States in 1936.

The spaghetti winter squash belongs to the Cucurbita (gourd) family and differs from other family vegetables due to its pasta-like strands. That’s the reason why people call it vegetable spaghetti in the USA.

Spaghetti Squash Nutrition Specifics

The vegetable-spaghetti is a fast-growing bushy shrub that differs from other fruits and vegetables of the same family such as acorn squash, pumpkin, zucchini, and cucumber, etc. 

Spaghetti squash is rich in minerals and vitamins, but contains low carbohydrates. You can use it in your low-calorie diet.

Other than that, spaghetti squash is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6, and manganese.

If you want to know the exact distribution of nutrients that a cup (155 grams) of spaghetti squash provides, then consider the following chart:

Nutrients	Nutrition value
Calories	42gms
Fibers	2.2 grams
Carbs	10 grams
Fat	0.5 grams
Protein	1gm
Manganese	8% of RDI
Vitamin C	9% of RDI
Pantothenic Acid	6& of RDI
Vitamin B6	8% of RDI
Niacin	6% of RDI
Potassium	5% of RDI
RDI – Recommended Dietary Intake

Not only this, spaghetti squash contains some amount of folate, iron, calcium, thiamine, and magnesium as well.

Spaghetti Squash is Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that elevate the risk of many diseases like diabetes and cancer, if not controlled timely.

Our body can produce antioxidants naturally, but if an individual is suffering from cancer or diabetes, then these antioxidants may disrupt. So, it is beneficial for diabetic and cancer patients to include winter squashes – especially spaghetti squash in their diet – as it is loaded with antioxidants.

Also, spaghetti squash comes packed with beta-carotene that prevents your DNA and blood cells against slow damage.

Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash

As we have mentioned the volume of nutrients 155 grams of spaghetti squash provides, you must have observed that a single serving satiates the need for many minerals that are recommended for daily intake.

Let’s start with fiber. Fiber helps in maintaining our digestive system in order. It works fittingly well to reduce constipation. As spaghetti squash has a low-calorie count, it is a healthy and safe option for individuals who follow a weight-loss diet plan. Also, because the squash is rich in fibers, it helps the body to maintain the starvation level by stabilizing blood sugar, which is the main reason why people take appetizers frequently.

As mentioned earlier, it is one of the best alternatives to a low-calorie diet.

Spaghetti Squash may not suit everyone

Despite having several health benefits, spaghetti squash may not suit people who are prone to allergies. If you are one of them, consuming spaghetti squash may lead you to suffer from digestive problems and swelling.

In case you have digestive problems, or there is swelling on your body, we recommend you to consult your doctor at once.

Remember, consuming a low-calorie diet may affect the metabolism process. 

Take away

You may have been looking for a diet that is full of nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals. A cup of spaghetti squash will suffice. You can have it roasted as an alternative to a high-calorie pasta with healthy fats, whole grains, and protein tossed herbs and spices.