Food Facts Friday: Winter Squash
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the color of the changing leaves, the cooler weather, and the anticipation of the winter holidays. I ventured out to my local farm stand this weekend and was happy to see the variety of winter squash that was available…a true indication that fall has arrived.
![Display of Hubbard, acorn and spaghetti squash](https://blogs.davita.com/kidney-diet-tips/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/11/Getty_686315079_Winter-Squash_500.jpg)
Winter squash is beautiful. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, can have beautiful bumpy textured skin, and comes in many colors ranging from yellow to orange to dark green or multi-colored. Winter squash is part of the Cucurbitaceae “gourd” family.
Compared to summer squash, winter squash has a hard shell, denser flesh, and richer flavor. The most common varieties of winter squash are acorn, butternut, delicata, hubbard, pumpkin, and spaghetti. Winter squash is a fruit, but for cooking and eating purposes we treat it like a vegetable.
Nutrients in Winter Squash
Nutritionally, winter squash is a source of beta carotene, fiber, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. It is naturally low in sodium and phosphorus. Winter squash is high in potassium (1/2 cup cooked contains 250 to 445mg potassium) except for spaghetti squash which has only 91mg of potassium in a 1/2 cup cooked portion. Because of its potassium content, winter squash may not be a good choice to eat regularly depending on your stage of chronic kidney disease and if you are on a potassium restriction. Make sure to check with your renal dietitian for cooking methods and safe portion sizes.
Spaghetti squash, however, is very versatile and can be used as a side dish or incorporated into a soup or main dish easily. Try one of these great recipes containing spaghetti squash this fall.
![Half of a cooked spaghetti squash and a plate of Spaghetti Squash Parmigiano](https://blogs.davita.com/kidney-diet-tips/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/SquashSpaghettiParmigiano-2103-small.jpg)
Additional Kidney Diet Resources
Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:
- DaVita Food Analyzer
- Today’s Kidney Diet Cookbooks
- DaVita Dining Out Guides
- DaVita Kidney-Friendly Recipes
- Diet and Nutrition Articles
- Diet and Nutrition Videos
- Kidney Smart® Virtual Classes
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.
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