Why Is Squash Bad for You? Toxic Squash Syndrome (2024)

FAQs

Why Is Squash Bad for You? Toxic Squash Syndrome? ›

Although squash is rich in nutrients, it can make you ill if you're not careful. Squash can contain cucurbitacin E, which is a toxic compound that can cause cucurbit poisoning or toxic squash syndrome.

Toxic squash syndrome occurs when a person eats something from the gourd fruit and vegetable family that contains unusually high levels of cucurbitacins. Plants in the gourd family include courgette, melon, pumpkin, squash, and cucumber. Cucurbitacins are bitter-tasting compounds that can be poisonous to humans.

While the high beta-carotene content in squash can provide many benefits, studies also suggest that consuming too much of this compound can increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, some types of prepared squash include high amounts of added sugar.

Some health benefits include improving blood pressure, supporting gut health, and decreasing your risk for certain diseases. There are over 100 kinds of summer and winter squash. They're all incredibly beneficial fruits (and yes, squash is considered fruit).

“Some (winter) squash have really delicate skins and they become tender when cooked. You can bake them and eat the whole thing.”

Keep your eye out for any brown spots or blemishes; these can indicate the start of spoiling. Any soft spots or slimy areas are also a sign that your squash has gone bad. Old squash tends to have soft flesh, leathery skin, and a hollow feel. And, of course, any spots of mold mean it's time to toss your squash.

Butternut squash is a healthful option, but its high potassium content may mean that some people should consume it in moderation. Beta-blockers are a type of medication commonly prescribed for people with heart disease. These can cause potassium levels to increase in the blood.

Squash injuries include: muscle strains and sprains – particularly to the arms, legs and lower back. These injuries are often not severe but can limit game performance. fall injuries – from falling or slipping on court.

Because of its potassium content, winter squash may not be a good choice to eat regularly depending on your stage of chronic kidney disease and if you are on a potassium restriction. Make sure to check with your renal dietitian for cooking methods and safe portion sizes.

Digestion. Butternut squash contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber speeds up the passage of foods through the stomach and intestines; soluble fiber holds onto water and turns into gel during digestion. It slows digestion and nutrient absorption from the stomach and intestines.

What is the healthiest squash to eat? ›

1. Butternut Squash. One of the most popular varieties of squash, it can be use in so many ways. It's one of the most rich in Vitamin A, boasting about 100% of the recommended daily value per cup, in the antioxidant form of beta-carotene.

Packed with Fiber and Good for the Gut

Squash is great for digestion! The benefits of eating squash are due to its vitamin and mineral content and the fiber it provides. Winter squashes are rich in prebiotic soluble fiber, which nourishes good gut bacteria and balances the microbiome.

Squash can contain cucurbitacin E, which is a toxic compound that can cause cucurbit poisoning or toxic squash syndrome. While dangerous, toxic squash syndrome is extremely rare, you can protect yourself by learning how it occurs and how to avoid it.

Children should avoid sugary fizzy drinks, squash and juice drinks completely. Children who drink a lot of sugary drinks are more likely to become overweight. The added sugar in these drinks can also damage teeth.

Is yellow squash as nutritious as zucchini? The two are very similar in terms of their nutrition content and health perks. For example, both are about 95% water, making them low in both calories and carbs, and are decent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.

How to avoid toxic squash syndrome. Due to the intense and unpleasant bitterness of plants with a high cucurbitacin concentration, you can usually tell when squash is bad. If you take a bite of squash and notice a nasty taste, spit it out and throw it away.

That bitter flavor in wild cucurbits — the family that includes cucumber, pumpkin, melon, watermelon and squash — is due to compounds called cucurbitacins. The bitter taste protects wild plants against predators.

Toxic squash syndrome

Zane Horowitz, a toxicologist and medical director of the Oregon Poison Center in Portland, who was not involved in the case. Cucurbit poisoning is a very rare syndrome, and the toxin involved has not been well-studied, Horowitz noted.

Cross-pollination of squash

Since flowers are insect-pollinated, it is possible in rare cases for a seed you receive in a seed packet to have been cross-pollinated with wild cucurbits, resulting in high levels of cucurbitacins and a very bitter taste.