One of my absolute favourite starchy vegetables, butternut squash has a gorgeous sweet flavour and can be used in so many different ways, from soups to stews and curries. It’s the perfect warming winter veg!
I’m especially partial to butternut squash soup made with ginger, coconut milk and roasted red pepper, and it’s one of the most popular soup recipes in Eat Yourself Beautiful. It has such a naturally thick and velvety texture, and makes a very satisfying meal.
Luckily for us, it’s also one of the best foods for giving your skin a serious glow. Its an excellent source of beta-carotene which gets converted into vitamin A in the body and is crucial for your skin’s health and integrity.
This conversion requires a little dietary fat as vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it’s important to always pair beta-carotene foods like butternut squash, sweet potato, carrots, papaya and apricots with a few nuts and seeds, a slice of avocado, coconut milk or oil, or olives, to ensure you get the full whack of goodness straight to your cells.
If you love the sun, then eating butternut squash is good news for your skin as it helps to protect it from damaging sun exposure and prevents dehydration. The vitamin C in squash fights free radical damage, builds collagen and prevents fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and sagging. A true beauty food indeed!
Try my Cheesy Broccoli, Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup for a warming winter meal 🙂
