Here is Why You Should Replace Pasta With Spaghetti Squash
It’s no secret that spaghetti squash is one of the most popular health trends these days, but what exactly are the benefits of replacing traditional pasta dishes with this low-carb vegetable?
If you’re looking to cut carbohydrates from your diet then spaghetti squash is the perfect substitute. One cup of cooked pasta contains 42 grams of carbohydrates compared to only 10 grams in one cup of cooked spaghetti squash. However, it’s good to keep in mind that both contain the complex version of carbohydrates, meaning that they are higher in fiber and more beneficial for the body than rapidly digested simple carbohydrates.
Spaghetti squash has less than ¼ the number of calories that pasta does. One plate of spaghetti squash contains just over 80 calories, while one plate of traditional pasta contains almost 500 calories, without even considering a sauce or topping. Replacing your weekly pasta dish with spaghetti squash creates a calorie difference that would result in the weight loss of 2 and ½ pounds over a one-year period.
The 2.2 grams of fiber found in spaghetti squash help you to feel fuller for a longer period after you have finished eating. This fiber also aids in removing cholesterol from the body. Consuming spaghetti squash can help to maintain a strong immune system as well as improve the health of your skin and eyes due to the organic compound beta carotene found in this tasty vegetable. Eating spaghetti squash is also a sneaky way of increasing your daily water intake. Most people aren’t aware that just one cup of cooked squash contains up to 143 grams of water.
According to the USDA database, several essential minerals and vitamins including vitamin A, several B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and copper are found in spaghetti squash. Vitamin A aids in immune function, eyesight, and cell growth while calcium and iron are two important minerals needed by the body.
In addition to all of these great health benefits, the taste itself is just as good as, if not better than, any homemade pasta dish. The similar texture of the spaghetti-like strands will have you believing that you actually are indulging in those traditional noodles. Now you can enjoy your favorite Italian dinner with a healthy twist!
