Encouraging Health

Besides being a colorful side on your turkey plate, squash also comes loaded with good-for-you nutrients.

Here are three good reasons to lap up that leftover squash:

1. Better blood pressure: Squash is rich in potassium, a mineral known for helping keep BP under control.
2. Healthier knees: Winter squash is high in beta cryptoxanthin and vitamin C, two nutrients credited with helping save joints. And here’s one more thing about squash . . .

Squash Yourself
3. Better appetite control: Squash is low in calories (as long as you don’t douse it in butter and brown sugar) and high in fiber — and together that can mean you eat fewer calories and feel fuller longer. The extra fiber can also be super helpful for sluggish bowels.

Versatile Veggie
Not sure how to use up that extra acorn or butternut squash? Start with these delicious dishes:
Use it in a hearty, healthy soup along with your turkey leftovers.

Turkey and Squash SoupYou can also make this with diced cooked

Ingredients
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 leeks, trimmed, thoroughly cleaned and chopped (3 1/2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, (2 medium), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, or 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 pound turkey cutlets, cut into 1/2-by-2-inch strips
2 cups frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions
1. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add leeks and pepper; cook, stirring often until the vegetables begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute more.
2. Stir in broth, squash, thyme and cumin; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add turkey and corn; return the broth to a simmer. Simmer until the turkey is just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Add lime juice and crushed red pepper. Gently warm the soup until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Substitute squash for spinach in your lasagna and Stew never tasted (or smelled) so good!

For more blood pressure hints, check out www.healthybpm.com

squash, blood pressure, joint health

squash, blood pressure, joint health