Makes six servings. Many studies have shown that a produce-rich diet that's also low in saturated fat can reduce our risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. For example, one study reported lower cancer deaths among elderly who ate fruits and vegetables high in carotenoid pigments. Carotenoid pigments give carrots and squash their characteristic orange or gold color. Sometimes carotenoid pigments are hidden by green chlorophyll pigments, as in Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Lycopenes are carotenoid pigments that color tomatoes red.
Botanically, squash is a fruit and a relative of melons, cucumbers, and gourds. Squash history dates back to 9,000 B.C. to the Andes Mountains of South America. The ancient varieties were different from modern types, and many believe early squash were grown to serve as rattles for ceremonial dances or for dishes or storage containers. Carotenoid-rich Squash includes both summer and winter varieties. Zucchini is a famous, and prolific, summer squash variety.