Polish Lowland Sheepdog - pons - pon the dog

 

 

 

 

 

Lara of Flinkbein Kennel, Finland

 

 

 

 

Butternut Squash for your PON

 

Many PON owners have been dismayed (an understatement) by the failure of the pumpkin crop and subsequent shortage of Libby's pure pumpkin this year. I am one of these owners who regularly includes pumpkin with my PONS diet. After doing online research, I decided to substitute butternut squash and am so pleased with this food, that I may remain with it. Please read the following information about butternut squash:

Health Benefits of Winter Squash

Squash has a reputation for fiber. Eating squash is particularly satisfying, because the bulk fills you up, allowing you to forgo second helpings.

Because squash is actually the fruit of various members of the gourd family, it comes in a wide array of colors and sizes. This vegetable is a great addition to any healthy diet.

 
WINTER SQUASH, SLICED
A tasty bonus: Winter squash has more nutrients than summer squash.

 

Health Benefits of Winter Squash

Though all varieties of squash are good nutrition choices, winter varieties tend to be more nutrient-dense. They generally contain much more beta-carotene and more of several B vitamins  than summer squash.

Butternut squash's beta-carotene content even rivals that of mangoes and cantaloupe.  And that's a boon in the fight against cancer, heart disease and cataracts.

Beta-carotene may also play a role in reducing lung inflammation and emphysema.  Winter squash also contain beneficial amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which is just right for filling you up, not out.

Butternut Squash
Serving Size: 1/2 cup, cooked
Calories
 41
Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Carbohydrate 11 g
Protein 1 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sodium 4 mg
Vitamin A
 11,434 IU
Niacin
 1 mg
Pantothenic Acid
 <1 mg
Vitamin C
 15 mg
Calcium
 42 mg
Potassium 290 mg
Carotenoids
 9,036 micrograms

 

Butternut Squash Health Benefits which can be applied to PONS:

  1. High in Fiber, Low in Fat: Many PONS cannot tolerate high fat foods and butternut squash is a good addition to their diet.

  2. According to the Mayo Clinic, fiber is good for the gastrointestinal system, as it aids in the digestive process. Low-fat foods help with weight maintenance and can lower the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

    Potassium

  3. Dr. George Obikoya, recognized for his work on the importance of vitamins and minerals, claims that the electrolyte potassium is known to help lower blood pressure and be good for the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It can reduce joint stiffness due to conditions like arthritis, and is identified as being a natural pain reliever. Stored in the muscles, it can help manage headaches and migraines, and lead to rapid improvement of cuts and bruises.

    Folate

  4. Commonly recognized by the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, folate gets a lot of attention for its ability to help prevent brain and spinal-cord birth defects like spina bifida. It also aids in the prevention of heart attacks.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  5. The American Heart Association supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with . It is believed that they lower risk for heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended for the treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

    Vitamin B6

  6. The Mayo Clinic endorses vitamin B6 to fortify the nervous and immune systems, help normalize blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.

    Beta-carotene and Vitamin A

  7. The antioxidant beta-carotene has amazing disease-preventing talents, according to the Mayo Clinic. The human body transforms beta-carotene into vitamin A, which can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer and age-related macular degeneration. It also aids in the development of healthy lungs in unborn babies. Beta-carotene can even help prevent heart attacks and strokes by halting the build-up of oxidized cholesterol in the body. In terms of diabetes, it has been known to regulate blood sugars. Its anti-inflammatory powers can reduce symptoms of arthritis and asthma.

    Magnesium

  8. The Mayo Clinic approves the mineral magnesium to help with calcium absorption and to build  and teeth. These qualities make it an excellent dietary choice for people with osteoporosis. It also promotes heart health by preventing blood clots and maintaining blood pressure to reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke.

 

Why not do your own research and consider supplementing your PON's diet with this delicious, healthy vegetable ? My Senior PONS have become significantly more active since I have started including  butternut squash in their diet. I bake the entire squash and then scoop out the seeds after it has cooled down.