High in nutrients
Like other winter squash, acorn squash is highly nutritious, providing a quality source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. One cup (205 grams) of cooked acorn squash offers:
- Calories: 115
- Carbs: 30 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fiber: 9 grams
- Provitamin A: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 37% of the DV
- Thiamine (vitamin B1): 23% of the DV
- Pyridoxine (vitamin B6): 20% of the DV
- Folate (vitamin B9): 10% of the DV
- Iron: 11% of the DV
- Magnesium: 22% of the DV
- Potassium: 26% of the DV
- Manganese: 25% of the DV
Acorn squash has a variety of nutrients despite having few calories. It contains particularly high levels of vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient that supports immune cell activity and guards against potentially hazardous microorganisms to maintain immune system health. Along with the electrolytes magnesium and potassium, which are essential for muscular function and blood pressure management, it is also a great source of B vitamins, which are involved in the creation and metabolism of red blood cells. Acorn squash is also loaded with fiber, an element necessary for a healthy digestive system and a key player in illness prevention.
