I know salads are not exactly what most of us are craving these days, with the colder weather, but a great way to continue to get those greens and nutrients is to add some roasted veggies and whole grains to hearty them up a bit! This Roasted Acorn Squash and Farro Salad is one of my favorites this time of you, the squash and farro bulk things up, then add in the garbanzo bean, pumpkin seeds, and shredded parmesan, and it is one tasty salad!
BENEFITS OF ACORN SQUASH:
- Rich in antioxidants, especially carotenoid antioxidants (alpha-carotene and beta-carotene).
- Good source of Vitamins B1, B3, B6, pantothenic acid, folate, Vitamin C and omega-3.
- Recent studies have shown that winter squash aids as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
- Due to it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it has shown potential to prevent prostate, colon, breast and lung cancer as well as reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
BENEFITS OF FARRO:
- Good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and other essential minerals.
- As a whole grain, farro offers superior nutrition and disease protection. It can reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as help control weight.
- Farro has twice the fiber and protein than modern wheat.
- Cyanogenic glucosides, a carbohydrate found in farro, has been found to stimulate the immune system, lower cholesterol and help maintain blood sugar levels.
- While farro does contain gluten, the gluten molecules are weaker than modern wheat, making it easier to digest.
