Vitamin A deficiencies can cause insomnia, fatigue, frequent colds and flus, skin problems and weight loss. Including squash regularly in your diet can help prevent these disorders. High levels of potassium in squash also help brain function, lower cholesterol and maintain a steady blood pressure. While the nutritional profile of all the different kinds of squashes out there vary, all of them are great sources of fibre, Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and the essential amino acid phenylalanine. Summer squash has lots of Vitamin B6, magnesium and the essential amino acids leucine, lysine and valine.
Winter squash has a great dose of thiamine too.
What separates winter from summer squash is the tougher skin and blander taste. The tough skin gives it the ability to store for months. The squash blossoms are edible too, stuffed, raw and baked, they're yummy. Squash seeds are a great source of digestive enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin A and for eliminating intestinal worms. Summer squash seeds are smaller and more tender, so they tend to be eaten with the rest of the squash.