Butternut squash, acorn squash, pumpkins, and their kin are known as “winter squash”. They have a tough rind that lends them well to storage in the cold season, when they are a tasty source of several key nutrients.

Winter squash are packed with carotenoids, a class of plant compounds including beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, important because the body converts them into vitamin A. Carotenoids give the flesh of the many varieties of winter squash their distinctive hues, ranging from creamy white to yellow to vibrant orange.

Many of the carbohydrates found in winter squash are polysaccharides, a kind of complex carbohydrate that adds valuable soluble fiber to the diet. These polysaccharides not only aid in digestion but prevents the small intestine from absorbing dietary cholesterol. This in turn lowers blood cholesterol levels.

Pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas) have a unique nutritional profile all their own that makes them one of the healthiest snacks around. For one thing, they are a mineral powerhouse, providing plentiful manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc.

To find out more about our food drive and the benefits of chiropractic, call Dr. Robinson, a chiropractor and holistic-care provider, at (757) 588-8908 or visit us at our office at 7400 Granby Street, Suite F in Norfolk. Dr. Robinson is a noted health speaker. If you would like Dr. Robinson to speak for your organization, please call Wards Corner Chiropractic at (757) 588-8908.