Are you ready to play JEOPARDY , the healthlicous and fun way? Is that a #yes that I see? The category is yummy and healthlicious foods that begin with Z. Lets get it going…The French refer to this vegetable as “courgette”, a term that is used interchangeably for yellow squash, it resembles a cucumber in appearance but some varieties are round. It is often picked when it is about 8 cm long and the seeds are soft and immature. Can you take a wild guess what it is? Well it can’t be a cougar because it’s a vegetable, but hypothetically speaking cougars are usually healthy and fit women that look amazing for their age and go after young and immature men,LOL, but I’m thinking more along the lines of a zucchini! A mature zucchini can reach up to a length of 3 feet, and it is often fibrous in nature and therefore, not fit to eat, similarly cougars don’t like old men that are too mature! Congrats your one step closer to finding out the wealth of information of why you need to start incorporating this awesome veggie into your diet now!
CANCER PREVENTION
The vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene content in zucchini helps to protect cells from the harmful chemicals that can lead to colon cancer. The vitamins both C and A, as well as folate, found in zucchini act as powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress which contribute to many different types of cancer.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Zucchinis also have anti-inflammatory agents thereby naturally curing aliments like osteoarthritis, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis, where swelling is immensely painful. The high levels of vitamins C and A along with copper found not only serve as powerful antioxidants but help in inflammation within the body.
GREAT FOR WEIGHTLOSS
One cup of zucchini has 36 calories and 10% of the RDA of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar and curbs overeating. Zucchinis have high water content (over 95%) and packed with fiber, so they make perfect food for people on diet.
IMPROVES CHOLESTEROL
Zucchini is a powerhouse food that helps lower cholesterol by having the fiber attach itself to bile acids that the liver makes from cholesterol for digesting fat. Because fiber binds so well with bile acid, therefore preventing its ability to right away digest fat, the liver is forced with producing more bile acid. The liver then draws upon even more cholesterol to produce bile acid, consequently lowering the overall cholesterol level in the body. In addition, the high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the body's blood vessels, thus hampering the onset of atherosclerosis.
REDUCES HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES
Known for it’s high magnesium content which reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. In combination with the potassium, the magnesium reduces high blood pressure.
HIGH IN MANGANESE
Manganese is a trace mineral and essential nutrient that provides numerous benefits and is responsible in healthy physiological functions. One cup of zucchini contains 19% of the RDA of manganese, which aids the body in metabolizing protein and carbohydrates, aids in the production of sex hormones, and processes the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol.The manganese in zucchini also increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is an enzyme responsible for protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress.
IMPROVES EYE HEALTH
The Beta-carotene rich vegetable that is converted into vitamin A in the body improves eye health. The presence of Vitamin A in this veggie helps healthy active cell development in the eyes, which enhance vision and help in preventing age-related medical conditions affecting the eyes such as macular degeneration. Zucchini also contains Vitamin C and lutein, both of which are good for eyes.
GREAT FOR SKIN
Zucchini has a high water content, which hydrates your skin. Water is beneficial for your skin as it flushes out toxins from your system. Consumption of zucchini helps to restore the moisture of your skin that gives you a glowing and healthy skin.
PACKED WITH VITAMIN C AND CALCIUM
Since zucchini is packed with vitamin C, which plays an overall role in one’s immunity to protect against conditions like asthma as well as strengthen teeth and bones. Vitamin C plays a huge role in keeping the immune system healthy and fighting respiratory problems. The anti-inflammatory properties keep the lungs open and clear. Zucchini also contains calcium that helps the nervous system to function properly and gives strength to the bones and teeth. Please note that vitamin C deficiency causes skin diseases like scurvy, therefore zucchini helps prevent such problems because of its rich content of vitamin C rich.
PROMOTES PROSTATE HEALTH
The phytonutrients in zucchini help in reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BOH). This is a typical condition characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to complications with urination and sexual functions.
INCORPORATE ZUCHINNI IN YOUR DIET
- Use in Cupcakes and bread and loaf cakes. Incorporate 1 cup of grated raw zucchini into the batter for a more nutritious bite-USE AS A SWAP FOR WHITE REFINED CARBS
- Stir fry, sauté or make zucchini chips
- Use raw in Salads
RECOMMENDED RECIPE ZUCCHINI BROWNIES
FROM www.theloveofood.com
DISCLAIMER: The nutritional and well-being information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional nutritional or medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regard
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