Why it’s so good for you: The orange flesh that’s revealed when you break open butternut squash “implies that it contains great deals of beta carotene, an antioxidant that the body transforms to vitamin A,” says Lauri Wright, PhD, RDN, director of nutrition programs at the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida. “Beta carotene is vital for keeping vision, particularly night vision, and it’s also important for keeping your body immune system strong.”
How to cook with butternut squash: It can be difficult to cut. If you’re having trouble, score its skin, microwave the squash for a couple of minutes, and let it cool. Then you can cut it into halves and bake it cut side down in a pan with a little water or oil. Afterward, just peel and slice it into cubes, mash it, or purée it to contribute to soups and sauces.
Customer Reports explains why these five foods– pears, cauliflower, beets, butternut squash, and walnuts– ought to be part of your healthy fall meals.
