Antioxidant Carotenoids in Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is loaded with antioxidant carotenoids to protect your body’s cells from damaging free radicals. Butternut squash is also one of the highest food sources of beta-cryptoxanthin and alpha carotene. These lesser-known carotenoids may have stronger antioxidant potential then beta-carotene. Research has show alpha carotene to have significantly better anti-carcinogenesis activity than the more well-known beta-carotene. Beta-cryptoxanthin research suggests a regular intake can reduce your risk of developing arthritis and lung cancer. One such study showed data that would indicate that beta-cryptoxanthin provides a beneficial effect against cigarette smoke-induced inflammation, oxidative DNA damage and squamous metaplasia in the lungs. ¹