Pattypan squash is a variety of summer squash. It is small in size, with rounded shallow shape, and scalloped edges that shares the appearance of toy tops. The term “pattypan” comes from the phrase “pan for baking a patty.” It also has numerous nicknames, such as the peter pan squash, sunburst squash, granny squash, scallop squash, white squash, button squash, among others.
They also come in yellow, white or green colours, and the flesh is also mainly used by scooping it out and mixed with flavourings such as garlic. Here, we will explain to readers more interesting information about pattypan squash and of course the health benefits of pattypan squash.
An Introduction to Pattypan Squash
Before we get into the specific topic of pattypan squashes, lets talk about summer squashes in general first. Summer squashes are squashes, or a genus related to gourds that are harvested as they are immature, which is characterized by the rinds that are still tender and edible. They are mainly grown in bushy conditions, and compared to winter squashes, they have short storage lifespan.
When stored in plastic bags, summer squashes cannot withstand refrigerator storage for more than five days. Several variants of summer squashes, apart from pattypan squash itself are zucchini, crookneck squash, straightneck squash, zuccheta, and cousa squash.
In the meantime, pattypan squash is most tender as they are relatively immature, and are consumed when they are within two to three inches in terms of diameter. Pattypan squashes are also wonderful sources of good nutrients, such as niacin, magnesium, vitamin A as well as vitamin C. A 100 g cup-serving contains less than 20 calories, with no fat or cholesterol found.
Nutritional Facts of Pattypan Squash
- Serving Size – 100 g
- Calories – 18
- Total Fat – 0.2 g (0% of DV)
- Saturated Fat – 0 g (0% of DV)
- Polyunsaturated Fat – 0.1 g (0% of DV)
- Monounsaturated Fat – 0 g (0% of DV)
- Cholesterol – 0 mg (0% of DV)
- Sodium – 1 mg (0% of DV)
- Potassium – 182 mg (5% of DV)
- Total Carbohydrate – 3.8 g (1% of DV)
- Dietary Fibre – 1.2 g (4% of DV)
- Sugar – 2.4 g
- Protein – 1.2 g (2% of DV)
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A – 4%
- Vitamin B6 – 5%
- Vitamin B12 – 0%
- Vitamin C – 30%
- Calcium – 1%
- Iron – 2%
- Magnesium – 5%
All the information above are in relation to a 2,000-calorie diet. The percentage of daily value (% of DV) may differ depending on personal calorie needs.
What are its Health Benefits?
- Pattypan Squashes are Excellent Sources of Manganese and Vitamin C benefits
Manganese is used for serving the normal brain and nervous function, while vitamin C is needed for the development, maintenance and repairment of all bodily tissues. Pattypan squashes contain a significant amount of vitamin C at 30%.
- Pattypan Squashes are also Good Providers of Benefits of Magnesium and Vitamin A benefits
Magnesium is a nutrient that is important for various processes in the body, such as the muscular and nerve functions, and managing both blood sugar levels plus blood pressure. While then vitamin A is important for the vision, immune system and reproduction. Pattypan squash has 4% of vitamin A.
- Pattypan Squashes Have Wonderful Benefits for the Eyes
Summer squashes in general contain two substances that brings wonderful health benefits for the eyes, namely lutein as well as beta-carotene at 2400 micrograms and 135 micrograms respectively. Lutein and beta-carotene both have important roles in preventing the formation of cataracts as well as macular degeneration.
- Pattypan Squashes Have Wealthy Reserves of Essential Vitamins
Pattypan squashes have loads of wealthy reserves of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and A, copper, folate, magnesium, benefits of potassium, manganese, phosphorus as well as riboflavin. At the same time, pattypan squashes also contain beta carotene as well as dietary fibre.
- Pattypan Squash’s Antioxidants Help Fight Free Radicals
Pattypan squashes have antioxidants that help fight cancer-causing free radicals from the body, such as beta carotene. The high value of beta carotene stored inside protects the body from substances or pollutants that may trigger cancer development.
- Pattypan Squashes Contain High Fibre Content
The rich amount of fibre inside pattypan squashes makes it useful for colon health that is centred at the stomach and the intestines. Fibre works by excreting toxins from the body as well as preventing constipation while ensuring that the whole digestive process runs smoothly. Fibre inside pattypan squashes account 4% of the daily value of a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Pattypan Squashes are Anti-Inflammatory
Pattypan squashes contain ingredients and nutrients that serve anti inflammatory purposes. As one can see, inflammation is one of the earliest stages of a disease, and it is recommended for the disease to be treated at this particular phase before it gets out of control.
- Pattypan Squashes are Low Calorie Food Items
Being low in calorie, pattypan squashes as well as other forms of summer squashes are good for losing weight. 100 grams of pattypan squashes contain just 18 calories, 3.8 grams of carbohydrate, and 0.2 grams of total fat. To maximize one’s weight loss programme, replace higher calorie vegetables like corn and potatoes with lower calorie versions such as pattypan squash itself.
- Pattypan Squashes Support Healthy Bones
Pattypan squashes support healthy strong bones thanks to the abundance of vitamin C plus manganese. Vitamin C is involved in the making of collagen that builds bone mass. While then, manganese maintains a healthy strong bone structure, absorbs benefits of calcium, as well as improving its density.
- Pattypan Squashes Maintain Prostate Health
Squashes maintain prostate health in terms of getting rid of the symptoms of this disease named benign prostatic hypertrophy or shortened as BPH. One of the main characteristics of BPH is the swelling of the prostate gland that leads to difficulties in both urinary as well as sexual functions.