9 Health Benefits of Spaghetti Squash—and Tasty Recipes to Make It

Digging into a tasty spaghetti squash-based meal is like taking a bite of history. According to the Library of Congress, squashes are one of the oldest known crops, dating back some 10,000 years in places like Mexico. And they've never really wavered in popularity. If you aren't already enjoying this healthy and delicious gourd, you may want to start when you hear about some of its major nutritional benefits. Here's what you need to know about spaghetti squash and how to incorporate it into your daily meals.

History of Spaghetti Squash

According to the Library of Congress, squashes most likely served as containers or utensils because of their hard shells. "The seeds and flesh later became an important part of the pre-Columbian Indian diet in both South and North America. De Soto, Coronado, and Cartier all saw 'melons' (probably squash) in the Americas."

As for the name, the word "squash" comes from the Narragansett Native American word askutasquash, which means eaten raw or uncooked. Though spaghetti squash is native to Mexico and Central America, it is now grown all over the world. It is classified as a winter squash like pumpkin, butternut, acorn, and delicata.

Spaghetti Squash Nutrition

Spaghetti squash abounds with nutritional benefits. It's low in calories and packed with satiating fiber. Here's a look at what's inside one cup of cubed spaghetti squash.

• Water - 92.5 grams
• Calories - 31.3 kcal
• Protein - 0.646 grams
• Fat- 0.576 grams
• Carbohydrates - 6.98 grams
• Fiber - 1.52 grams
• Sugars - 2.79 grams
• Calcium - 23.2 milligrams
• Iron - 0.313 milligrams
• Magnesium - 12.1 milligrams
• Phosphorous - 12.1 milligrams
• Potassium - 109 milligrams
• Sodium - 17.2 milligrams
• Zinc - 0.192 milligrams
• Copper - 0.037 milligrams
• Manganese - 0.126 milligrams
• Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K
  

Spaghetti Squash Health Benefits

Keep reading to learn some ways spaghetti squash can improve your overall health.

Boosts Immunity

Kimberly Varner, the dietitian for Weis Markets, urges people to include spaghetti squash into their diets because it's loaded with vitamins C and K. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which means it boosts your immune system and protects your memory as you age, among other things, while vitamin K helps blood clot properly and is essential in healing wounds.

Aids Digestive Health

Spaghetti squash is an excellent source of fiber, with one cup clocking in at 2.2 grams, or 9 percent of a person's daily fiber needs. This helps to promote good digestive health and keep things moving.

Josh Schlottman, a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, suggests finding ways to incorporate some squash every day. "People should add it to their daily diet by including it in salads, soups, or roasted with other vegetables," Schlottman says.

Improves Blood Pressure

Research shows winter squash is rich in potassium, which can help to counteract the detrimental effects of sodium on blood pressure. Experts think it might also help to control cholesterol.

Boosts Bone Health

Because spaghetti squash is so high in calcium, it can help build healthy, strong bones. The vegetable is also packed with manganese, which helps aid the formation of bones, and the vitamin C in spaghetti squash boosts collagen production, which is crucial for the structure of bones. Combined, these nutrients contribute to healthy bone density and, ultimately, reduce the risk of bone-related conditions like osteoporosis.

Supports Vision

Spaghetti squash also supports vision health due to its high content of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for maintaining good vision. It also prevents night blindness. Other antioxidants in spaghetti squash, like lutein and zeaxanthin, also protect the eyes from oxidative stress and sun damage. Meanwhile, the vitamin C in spaghetti squash works to reduce the risk of eye conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Hydrates

Spaghetti squash is more than 90 percent water, which makes it very hydrating. This high water content makes it a hydrating vegetable that can contribute to your daily fluid intake. Your daily fluid intake is necessary to help maintain bodily functions—from regulating your body temperature to keeping your joints lubricated.

Boosts Metabolism

Veggies are known to boost your metabolism, and spaghetti squash is no exception. Spaghetti squash boosts metabolism due to its high B vitamin content—mostly vitamin B6. These B vitamins play a big part in converting food into energy, which aids the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The rich fiber content of spaghetti squash also helps regulate blood sugar, which, in turn, promotes a steadier energy supply.

Supports Weight Loss

Because spaghetti squash is so low in calories, it can help aid weight loss for people who are trying to slim down for one reason or another. One cup of spaghetti squash contains just 31.3 calories, but it is packed with healthy carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and other nutrients that leave you feeling full. Spaghetti squash is a filling veggie that doesn't also leave you feeling heavy and lethargic as with many high-calorie foods.

Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases

Spaghetti squash can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases due to its antioxidant properties. The beta-carotene and vitamin C in spaghetti squash, for example, help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, the fiber helps to lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar, and the potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure. These all add up to help keep chronic diseases at bay—particularly inflammation-induced conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

When to Buy and How to Store Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash can be found year-round, but it's best in the fall and winter when it's in season. Once cut, spaghetti squash should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a few days. To freeze cooked spaghetti squash, let it cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe plastic bags or food storage containers. The frozen spaghetti squash will last in the freezer for approximately seven months.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Varner suggests cutting the squash in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. Drizzle the insides with olive oil, and place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the top, and roast it for about 30 to 40 minutes at 400 F, until it's lightly browned. Once it's cooled, use a fork to scrape the strands out of the inside of the squash.

You can also enjoy spaghetti squash by popping it into the microwave. Cut it in half lengthwise, take out the seeds, place it cut-side down in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish, and pierce the skin. Add 1 cup of water to the baking dish about halfway through. Adding the water will help to steam the squash and soften it so you can easily pull out the "spaghetti strings." Microwave on high for 15 minutes. Be careful removing it from the microwave, as it will be very hot.

Spaghetti Squash Recipes

"Once cooked, spaghetti squash shreds into spaghetti-like pieces," Varner explains. "It can be enjoyed on its own, flavored with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, or topped with pasta sauce like regular spaghetti." Truly, spaghetti squash is a blank slate, ready for you to top it with whatever you'd like to make it your own. Scroll down for some spaghetti squash recipe ideas.

Spaghetti Squash Ragù

This hearty, slow-cooker ragù is made with familiar ingredients such as ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and oregano, but instead of topping noodles, this sauce adds some flavor to spaghetti squash. The best part? You can cook the spaghetti squash and the ragù in the slow cooker at the same time, which translates to less prep work for you and easy cleanup.

Spaghetti Squash Parmesan

This vegetarian-friendly dish treats spaghetti squash just like, well, spaghetti. The veggie noodles are topped with jarred marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese, as well as crispy panko breadcrumbs. And if you hate doing dishes, you'll be happy to know that you can use the hollowed-out squash as a bowl for this comforting meal.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal, prepare your spaghetti squash in an Instant Pot. The hands-off cooking method takes about 20 minutes and leaves you with a perfectly cooked gourd that's ready to be eaten. Top it with your favorite sauce, such as a homemade pesto, or some of Trader Joe's Truffle Picante Spicy Pasta Sauce.