Butternut Squash and Skin Health: Benefits & Vitamin A Powerhouse

The butternut squash is a winter squash, native to North and Central America. It is shaped like a gourd and has a thick, tan skin that is inedible. The inside of the butternut squash is orange with a sweet flavor, similar to sweet potato. The butternut squash is extremely rich in vitamins that are great for the skin.

Vitamin A

• Just one cup of butternut squash provides 457 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This vitamin is helpful in maintaining and repairing the skin. A lack of vitamin A can cause flaky skin and other skin-related conditions.

Vitamin C

• Butternut squash, per cup, contains 52 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, an important vitamin that combats the harmful effects of the sun. An antioxidant, vitamin C also supports the turnover of skin cells and promotes collagen formation.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E is also contained in butternut squash, giving 13 percent of the daily value in each cup. Like Vitamin C, it is a mighty antioxidant, reducing damage to skin cells from sun exposure. When vitamins A and E are taken together, they reduce the risk of skin cancer.