Nutrition and Heath Benefits From Squash
Squash Spirit
By: Dan Gerhardt, D.C.
We do not know where we are...or exactly where we are heading. It needn't matter. We will find out soon enough and presently have other things to concern ourselves with, like the moon. We find that, even though we have been out here in the cool October sky for only a short time now, the mountains are no longer backlit by the twilight of the setting sun and the tall shadows that were being cast down into the deep canyons have been replaced with the steady glow from the light of the rising moon. We follow the pull of the moon, towards a somehow familiar cluster of stars until we come to a fire-lit clearing in the woods. Even from up here, we can almost make out the fluid movements of the medicine man as he struts around the fire. After methodically gliding down in a spiraling fashion, we perch ourselves on a sturdy tree branch and steady our eyes for a closer look at the one who summons us. The wild-eyed shaman is adorned with not much more than copper arm bands, a beaded necklace across his bare chest, a strap of leather stitchings across his loins, and a few randomly placed feathers. He is shaking several rattles, with two or three in each hand, and his dance is a hypnotic, trance-induced choreograph that overshadows his barely recognizable, barely audible, but rythmic chants.
We only now notice that he has a small fur-skinned pouch wrapped around his waist. Every now and then, the medicine man reaches in, pinches some powder, and throws it on the fire, temporarily feeding it into a brilliant conflagration. But these are just humorous curiosities compared to the monstrosity that covers the wrinkled, old face of the red man. At first glance, it might be mistaken for an animal's head, something that formerly belonged to a large wolf or a small bear. But make no mistake, we know exactly what it is. This gouhlish-looking instrument of death is hideously contorted out of proportion. With it's multi-colored streaks and wart-like bumps, this is no ordinary, wood-carved mask; this is a calabash, a dried-out goblin's head. Not a pumpkin, not a squash, not a turnip, but a gourd, a gourd full of the presence of kindred spirits, eight of them to be exact, all individually weaker than us, but strength comes in numbers. The shaman, he has stopped his rattle and hum while pulling the mask up to rest on the top of his head like a hat. He looks as crazy as a horse, with chest heaving and nostrils flaring below the peering eyes of a man possessed. He detects our presence, and is staring right at us, right through us. Quick, we must leave this instant, and take to flight once again. We must do our bidding.
We are taking that surge of power and putting it to use. In time, we will be catching the warm air currents from the lake, helping to push us up over the mountain ranges. We will silently stream back down, through the fog, away from the distant yelps of the coyote, and towards the dotted lights from the fires, lanterns, and flickering candles of the village below. Upon our swift arrival, we know what we must do. We shudder at the thought of it, taking no pleasure in the knowledge of the unfortunate fate that will befall these unlucky, uncharmed, and unguarded inhabitants. But, once there, and upon closer inspection, we realize that the newcomers have learned well of the ways, that those dotted lights are indeed candles, but they have been strategically placed inside of hollowed-out pumpkins, illuminating their notched-out, spooky faces, as well as the groupings of dried gourds that hang over their solid wooden doorways and smoking stone chimneys. We are, of course, not only horrified at this discovery, but greatly distraught over the speed in which we are instantly banished from the presently protected perimeter of this small hamlet. We must, against our will, and in due time, return to that which we came, where our master is going to punish us severely. It needn't matter. We still have the rest of the night, which is yet young. We still have other things to concern ourselves with, like the moon...like you. (To be continued...)
Squash in History
Archaeological evidence suggests that squash may have been first cultivated in Mesoamerica some 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. These plants also date far back into prehistorical times in China and Africa. The gourd family of plants have been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mississippi basin and throughout the Americas. Squash is native to North and South America and, along with pumpkins, belongs to the same family as gourds. Gourds have been prized throughout history by many diverse cultures for practical uses and ceremonial rituals, being put to use as sculptured art, crafts, vessels, and sacred objects. Due to the wide variety of shapes and sizes, dried gourds can be used as spoons, cups, canteens, and bowls. They were also often used to make musical instruments such as rattles and drums.
The Native American Indians of the eastern woodlands referred to corn, beans, and squash as the three sisters and would plant them together because the corn provides a climbing stalk for the beans; the beans provide nitrogen to the soil, which nourishes the corn; and the wide-spreading squash leaves prevent weeds, deter predators, and provide shade for the corn’s shallow root system. These same Indians showed the early European settlers the art of growing these staples, most likely saving them from certain starvation. The Native American Indians believed that gourds were instrumental in the communication between the visible and invisible worlds. Native American Indian medicine men and African witch doctors would use gourds for the purpose of conjuring and warding off spirits, both good and evil. Many cultures today still use gourds as good luck charms throughout the year, but especially on Halloween.
Nutrition & Health Beneits From Squash
Squash is actually the fruit of various members of the gourd family, and comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Squash is divided into two main groups, winter and summer. Summer squash varieties are generally eaten when they are immature. Winter squashes have a harder rind and are generally allowed to mature before being harvested. Popular summer squash varieties include crookneck, pattypan, and zucchini. Winter squash varieties include acorn, butternut, hubbard, spaghetti, and pumpkin.
All varieties of squash are nutritious, but the winter varieties are more nutrient-dense, containing more carotenes and more B vitamins than summer squash. The carotene content of butternut squash rivals that of mangoes and cantaloupe, making it a sound choice in the fight against cancer, heart disease, and cataracts. Carotenes may also play a role in reducing lung inflammation and emphysema. Winter squash also contains beneficial amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it very filling on the stomach. Summer squash contains more water and less calories.
Phytonutrient research on squash is still limited, but some research studies have shown that extracts from squash have been found to help reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, called benign prostatic hypertrophy. This condition can cause difficulty with urinary and sexual function in males. Also, consuming foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in pumpkins and other fruits of similar color, may significantly lower the risk of developing lung cancer. Making foods high in vitamin A, such as winter squash, part of your diet is a good idea if you smoke or are subjected to second-hand smoke because a common carcinogen found in cigarette smoke causes deficiencies in vitamin A.
Eating squash on a regular basis may help with:
- Cancer protection
- Heart protection
- Eye health
- Lung health
- Prostate health
Until next time, don't forget to grow and eat your squash!
Dan Gerhardt, D.C.
Other Articles by Dr. Dan
SEE: An Introduction to Vegetable & Fruit Nutrition