Health Benefits
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Health benefits of Maltese cross
    • Health benefits of Indian round gourd
    • Health benefits of Azores Laurel
    • Health benefits of Wild Kumquat
    • Health benefits of Little Medick
    • Health benefits of Roundleaf alumroot
    • Health benefits of Wild Caper Bush
    • Health benefits of Wood nettle
    Health Benefits
    Health Benefits
    Home»Vegetables»Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash
    Vegetables

    Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash

    By s mDecember 18, 2019Updated:December 18, 2019No Comments7 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Spaghetti Squash Quick Facts
    Name: Spaghetti Squash
    Scientific Name: Cucurbita pepo
    Colors Light green turning to ivory to yellow or yellow
    Shapes Oblong cylindrical pepo
    Flesh colors Yellow, orange or white
    Spaghetti squash is a cool climate crop which can be grown on wide range of soils but does best in well-drained and slightly acidic soil with pH of 5.5-7 in full sun. It is a highly diverse and economically important member of Cucurbitaceae. It comprises of hundreds of cultivars of pumpkins, gourds and squash. Mature fruit is sweet and used to make confectionery or cooked and added to baked goods. It has been domesticated for thousands of years in the New World.

    It is an annual herb climbing and creeping with 5-angled stems upto 15 meters long. It has shallow root system which is branched and grows from well-developed taproot. Stems are setose, scabrous, branching and often rooting at the nodes. Petioles are setose, grooved, estipulate and 6-24 cm long. Plant has tendrils which borne at 90 degrees to leaf insertion i.e. coiled and one to six branched. Tendrils are poorly developed on bushy plants. Leaves are simple, alternate, broadly ovate to deltoid, palmately lobed with 5-7 lobes, scabrous, marginally toothed and palmately veined, 20-30 cm long, and 10-35 cm broad.

    Facts About Sphagetti Squash

    Name Spaghetti Squash
    Scientific Name Cucurbita pepo
    Common/English Name Gold String Melon, Noodle Squash, Fish Fin Melon, Shark-Fin Melon, Spaghetti Marrow, Spaghetti Squash, Spaghetti Melon, Vegetable Spaghetti
    Name in Other Languages Chinese: Yú Chì Guā;
    Dutch: Spaghettikalebas, Spaghettipompoen;
    Eastonian: Spagetikõrvits;
    French: Courge Spaghetti, Spaghetti Végétal;
    German: Spaghettikürbis;
    Italian: Zucca Spaghetti;
    Japanese: Kinshi Uri;
    Portuguese: Abóbora Spaghetti;
    Spanish: Zapallo Spaghetti;
    Swedish: Spagettipumpa;
    Dutch: Sierkalebas;
    English: Ornamental summer squash, Ornamental gourd;
    Estonian: Ilukõrvits;
    French: Courge ornementale, Coloquinte;
    German: Schmuck-Kürbis, Schmuckkürbis;
    Italian: Zucca Indiana;
    Japanese: Kanshou kabocha (観 賞カボチャ) 
    Plant Growth Habit Semi-bushy herb
    Growing Climate Cool
    Soil Well-drained, slightly acidic
    Leaf Alternate, 20–30 × 20–35 cm
    Flower Bright yellow, 10 cm in diameter
    Fruit shape & size Oblong cylindrical pepo
    Fruit weight 50 kg
    Fruit color Light green turning to ivory to yellow or yellow
    Flesh color Yellow, orange or white
    Seed White, ovoid, flattened, 1–1.5 cm × 0.5–1 cm

    Plant description

    Spaghetti Squash is a vigorous annual, monoecious and trailing vine or emi-bushy herb with shallow and extensively branched roots having well developed taproot. Stems are five angled, hard, angular, short to semi-erect and pubescent-scabrous light green. Tendrils are simple and have 2-6 branchlets. Leaves are simple, alternate, broadly triangular usually with deep acute lobes 20–30 × 20–35 cm with denticulate to serrate-denticulate margins. Flowers are pentamerous, solitary, bright yellow and borne in leaf axils. Male flowers have long and light green peduncle about 7-20 cm and tubular corolla 5-10 cm long which is divided into five lobes for upto 1/3 or more of its length. Female flowers have sulcate, sturdy and shorter peduncle of 2-5 cm. Ovary is ovoid, smooth, cylindrical and calyx is small. Fruit is an oblong cylindrical pepo about 12 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter which is light green that turns to ivory to yellow or yellow with white or greenish streaks when mature. It contains ovoid, flattened and white seeds in yellow, orange or white flesh.

    Flower

    Flowers are monoecious bearing solitary actinomorphic flowers which produce nectar. Calyx is campanulate with five free sepals. Each sepal is linear and 0.9-3 cm long and smaller on pistillate flowers. Corolla is yellow, campanulate, five parted with erect to spreading petals which are apically acute and 5-10 cm long and 3 cm broad. Staminate flowers form on 3-20 cm long peduncle and have 3 stamens with free filaments. Pistillate flowers form on shorter peduncles 2-5 cm long. The plant blooms flower from July to August.

    Fruit

    Fruits are oval, flattened, scalloped, globular, fusiform, tapering to curved or straight neck on one or both ends. It can be upto 5 times longer than wide. Skin is smooth, wrinkled, warty, furrowed with shallow to deep longitudinal ridges. Fruit is white, yellow or light to dark green. Flesh is variable in color and thickness. Fruit weighs from 30 g to 50 kg which comprises of numerous seeds.

    Spaghetti Squash Image Gallery
    Female-Spaghetti-Squash-flower Female-Spaghetti-Squash-flower
    Half-cut-Spaghetti-squash Half-cut-Spaghetti-squash
    Male-Spaghetti-Squash-flower Male-Spaghetti-Squash-flower
    Roasted-Spaghetti-squash Roasted-Spaghetti-squash
    Spaghetti-squash-fruit Spaghetti-squash-fruit
    Spaghetti-squash-plant Spaghetti-squash-plant

    Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash

    Spaghetti squash is nutritious and offers high amount of Vitamin A, potassium, folic acid and beta carotene. Potassium helps to maintain proper muscle and nerve function. Spaghetti squash is rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc and phosphorus as well as B vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and riboflavin.

    1. Gut health

    Sphagetti squash has high content of fiber which offers 2 grams per cup i.e. 10 percent of daily recommended intake. Fiber is crucial for maintaining digestive health. It feeds good bacteria in intestines which is a vital part of digestive and immune system. It promotes digestion by moving slowly through gastrointestinal tract and promotes regularity. Healthy gut provides excellent immunity.

    1. Weight management

    Spaghetti squash is low in carbs and high in fiber which is a perfect substitute for regular pasta for those who are trying to lose weight. A cup of spaghetti squash offers 10% of adults fiber needs for a day. Diet rich in fiber helps to assist weight loss because it promotes satiety which means feeling of fullness. The fiber helps to prevent overeating and indulging in sugary cravings.

    1. Rich in antioxidants

    Foods such as oranges, pomegranates, spaghetti squash and kale have good amounts of antioxidants. Spaghetti squash has beta carotene and Vitamin C that helps to prevent chronic diseases and inflammation. Antioxidants has the ability to combat cell damaging free radicals and toxins.  The damaged cells when replicate, it creates high changes for inflammation and chronic disease. It is loaded with other essential nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and manganese. It is also rich in Vitamin A which is beneficial for eye health and B vitamins contributes to proper cell functioning.

    1. Low glycemic

    Spaghetti squash is a food low in glycemic for more even blood sugar levels. Low glycemic index won’t cause sudden spike in blood sugar like higher carbohydrate alternatives. It has polysaccharides which is a type of fiber preventing blood sugar from rising after meals.

    1. Combat inflammation

    Spaghetti squash has omega-3 fatty acids which makes it anti-inflammatory and overall health.

    Traditional uses

    • In Central and North America it is used as medicine.
    • It is effective in eliminating tapeworms. Take an emulsion made from grounded seed with water.
    • Seeds act as mildly diuretic and vermifuge.
    • Apply the leaves externally to burns.
    • Use the fruit pulp as decoction to provide relief from intestinal inflammation.
    • Use the fruit for loose stools, throat infection and eye infections.
    • Seeds are used to cure painful chests, fever, bronchitis, kidney problems and reduce thirst.
    • Seeds are used for treating hypertrophy of prostate.
    • Use the fruit pulp as decoction to provide relief from intestinal inflammation.

    Culinary uses

    • Spaghetti squash can be baked, steamed, boiled or micro-waved.
    • Serve it with sauce as a substitute for pasta.
    • Roast the seeds.
    • Ground the seeds and mix it with cereals for making bread.
    • Sprout the seeds and use it in salads.
    • Use the seeds to extract oil.
    • Cook young leaves and stems as potherb.
    • Cook the stems and leaves as potherb.
    • In West Africa, fruits are used in soups and couscous.
    • Shoots and young leaves are used as potherb.
    • Seed oil is used in cooking.
    • Immature fruits are consumed raw, fried or cooked.
    • Mature fruits are added to pies, soups and other baked goods.
    • It pairs well with onions, tomato, greens, garlic, fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, parsley, oregano, mint, zucchini, cucumbers, red pepper, bell pepper, soy sauce, snap peas, tamari, fish sauce, cream, pine nuts, cream, mozzarella, ricotta, shrimp, ground beef, chicken, pancetta and Italian sausage.

    Precautions

    Some people might be allergic to spaghetti squash causing food allergy symptoms such as itching, hives, digestive issues and swelling.

    References:

    https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=22373#null

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucurbita_pepo

    http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Cucurbita+pepo

    https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Spaghetti_Squash_4145.php

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaghetti_squash

    https://jovinacooksitalian.com/2013/04/25/spaghetti-squash/

    https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/spaghetti-squash#weight-loss

    https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/spaghetti-squash.html

    84%
    84%
    Awesome

    Comments

    comments

    S Vegetables
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleDengue A Complete Guide
    Next Article Facts about Crested Wheatgrass

    Related Posts

    Health benefits of Indian round gourd

    September 26, 2023

    Health benefits of Spear Saltbush

    August 31, 2023

    Health benefits of Spiny Orange

    July 9, 2023

    Comments are closed.

    Spaghetti Squash Scientific Classification

    Scientific Name: Cucurbita pepo

    Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
    Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
    Subkingdom Viridiplantae  (Green plants)
    Infrakingdom Streptophyta  (Land plants)
    Superdivision Embryophyta
    Division Tracheophyta  (Vascular plants, tracheophytes)
    Class Magnoliopsida
    Order Cucurbitales
    Family Cucurbitaceae  (Gourds, squashes, citrouilles, gourdes)
    Genus Cucurbita L. (Gourd
    Species Cucurbita pepo L. (Vegetable marrow, field pumpkin)
    Synonyms
    • Citrullus variegatus Schrad.
    • Citrullus variegatus Schrad. ex M.Roem.
    • Cucumis pepo (L.) Dumort.
    • Cucumis zapallo Steud.
    • Cucurbita asteroides Schrad.
    • Cucurbita aurantia Willd.
    • Cucurbita ceratoceras Haberle
    • Cucurbita ceratoceras Haberle ex Mart.
    • Cucurbita citrullus M.Roem.
    • Cucurbita clodiensis Naccari, 1828
    • Cucurbita clodiensis Nocca
    • Cucurbita courgero Ser.
    • Cucurbita cucumifera Schrad.
    • Cucurbita depressa Hort.
    • Cucurbita elongata Bean
    • Cucurbita elongata Bean ex Schrad.
    • Cucurbita esculenta S.F.Gray
    • Cucurbita fastuosa Salisb.
    • Cucurbita grisea M.Roem.
    • Cucurbita hybrida Bertol.
    • Cucurbita hybrida Bertol. ex Naud.
    • Cucurbita lignosa Mill.
    • Cucurbita mammeata Molina
    • Cucurbita mammosa J.F.Gmel.
    • Cucurbita marsupiiformis Haberle
    • Cucurbita marsupiiformis Haberle ex M.Roem.
    • Cucurbita oblonga Link
    • Cucurbita pepo subsp. gumala H.Teppner
    • Cucurbita pepo var. akoda Makino
    • Cucurbita pepo var. americana Zhit.
    • Cucurbita pepo var. fibropulposa Makino
    • Cucurbita pepo var. flogra H.Teppner
    • Cucurbita pepo var. georgica H.Teppner
    • Cucurbita pepo var. kintogwa Makino
    • Cucurbita pepo var. toonas Makino
    • Cucurbita pepo var. torticollis Alef.
    • Cucurbita polymorpha Duchesne
    • Cucurbita pomiformis M.Roem.
    • Cucurbita pyridaris Duchesne
    • Cucurbita pyridaris Duchesne ex Poir.
    • Cucurbita pyxidaris DC.
    • Cucurbita succado Naeg.
    • Cucurbita succado Naeg. ex Naud.
    • Cucurbita succedo Arn.
    • Cucurbita tuberculosa Schrad.
    • Cucurbita urnigera Schrad.
    • Cucurbita variegata Steud.
    • Cucurbita venosa Descourt.
    • Pepo citrullus Sageret
    • Pepo pepo (L.) Britton
    • Pepo pepo (L.) Britton ex Small
    • Pepo potiron Sageret
    • Pepo vulgaris Moench
    Categories
    • Beverages (70)
    • Dairy (28)
    • Equipment (5)
    • Essential OIls (189)
    • Facts (2,180)
    • Foods (228)
    • Fruits (409)
    • Grains and Cereals (30)
    • Health & Beauty (467)
    • Herbs and Spices (1,084)
    • Medicines (7)
    • Nutritional value (27)
    • Nuts and seeds (57)
    • Oils (80)
    • Pets (1)
    • Poultry & Seafoods (67)
    • Pulses and Beans (16)
    • Reviews (22)
    • supplement (2)
    • Vegetables (210)

    Health benefits of Maltese cross

    Health benefits of Indian round gourd

    Health benefits of Azores Laurel

    Health benefits of Wild Kumquat

    Health benefits of Little Medick

    Health benefits of Roundleaf alumroot

    ABOUT
    1 Home
    About us
    Contact us

    Policy
    Privacy Policy
    Terms & conditions
    Disclaimer
    Contact us at:
    e-mail: [email protected]
    Skype: healthbenefit55
    © 2023 www.healthbenefitstimes.com All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.