HEALTH BEAT 11-1-2000

Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts November 2000
November 2000
Short Cuts:
HEALTH BEAT

With odd names like acorn, butternut and spaghetti, and sporting a slew of unusual shapes, textures and colors, winter squash is a familiar component in fall decorating arrangements. While these members of the gourd family are hearty enough to survive the season in a table centerpiece, they also pack a powerful nutritional punch.

Squash is high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Best known for its role in promoting eye health, this vitamin is also credited with boosting the immune system, aiding tissue growth and repair, and maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes, according to the American Society for Nutritional Sciences (www.nutrition.org). The best beta carotene-rich food sources are orange, red and yellow fruits and vegetables. In fact, a half-cup of butternut squash provides 128 percent of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin A.

Winter squash can be stored for up to six months in a cool, dry place.

C.A.S.