At this time of year I am in constant need of a good warm up! To battle the cold, rainy weather, I’ve been living off of soups. This butternut squash soup is so simple and easy to make. The addition of coconut milk makes it super creamy. Squash is one of my favorite foods for it’s flavor, plus it’s incredibly healing. Here are just a few benefits of this tasty fruit (yeah, you heard me, it’s actually classified as a fruit):

• It promotes regularity – One cup of butternut squash contains almost 7 grams of fiber, which can help prevent constipation and maintain a healthy digestive tract.
• It can improve eyesight – Butternut squash is a great source of beta carotene, the precursor of Vitamin A which is known to protect your vision.
• Protects your skin and bones – Butternut squash contains nearly half of your daily dose of vitamin C, which has been linked to healthier skin. Vitamin C also takes part in the production of collagen, which is important for building bone mass. Other minerals found in squash, such as iron, folate, and zinc, all contribute to bone health and protect against osteoporosis.
• Prevents high blood pressure – One cup serving of butternut squash contains almost 500 mg of potassium (more than a banana!), which can help decrease your blood pressure.  Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range can help you steer clear of serious health issues like heart disease and stroke.