In velvety, gratin or simply roasted in the oven, these two stars vegetables in the fall warm our plates. However, behind their resemblance and comforting taste, squash and butternut display slightly different nutritional profiles.
So, should we favor the lightness of the squash or the gourmet side of the Butternut?
Two cousins at the many common points
“”The squash and the butternut belong to the same family, the cucurbit. They share a natural sweetness, a beautiful richness in fiber and antioxidants, but each has its particularities“Explains Julie Boët.
These two intermediate vegetables, richer in carbohydrates than green vegetables but much lighter than starchy foods, integrate perfectly into a varied and balanced diet.
Squash, an ally of stable blood sugar
“”The squash, with its soft and less sweet flavor than the butternut, is distinguished by a slightly lower content in carbohydrates “underlines the dietician. This profile makes it an interesting food to maintain stable blood sugar because its impact on blood sugar levels remains moderate.
“”It is also an excellent source of fiber, which nourish the intestinal microbiota and promote fluid digestion, while strengthening the feeling of satiety “. Thanks to its richness in beta-carotene and vitamin C, squash supports the immune system and protects cells from oxidative stress.
Butternut, between gluttony and nutritional benefits
“”The butternut seduced by its naturally sweet taste and its creamy texture“, Recalls Julie Boët. If she contains a little more carbohydrates than squash, she remains a vegetable much less energetic than a starch.
It also brings a large amount of beta-carotene and vitamin C, and its fibers participate in the intestinal balance. “”It therefore has its place in a balanced diet, bringing both delicacy and nutritional benefits“says the specialist.
So squash or butternut? Our expert
You have understood: each of the two cucurbits brings its share of benefits.
Nevertheless, to decide between the two, the dietician believes that the squash keeps a slight advance thanks to its more moderate carbohydrate and its more neutral effect on blood sugar. “”But the butternut remains a healthy and tasty option, ideal for varying pleasures without guilt “ she concludes.