Health Benefits of Zucchini

There are many health benefits that zucchini and its summer squash family bring.  Zucchini has a delicious rich taste with a crisp texture.  Zucchini is a wonderful veggie that can easily compliment an array of culinary dishes.

With the abundant health properties zucchini brings we should all try to bring it into our meals this summer season.

Diet

Zucchini is a great veggie to keep you slim and trim.  Whether you are watching your weight and looking to reduce unwanted pounds or simply looking for healthy foods to help you maintain your figure, zucchini is a winner.  One cup of zucchini has under 40 calories and meets 10% percent of your daily fiber intake.  Zucchini is great for aiding digestion, and constipation.  Zucchini maintains low blood sugar and aids in curbing hunger helping you from overeating.

Cholesterol Lowering

The fiber found in zucchini is a great aid in lowering cholesterol.  It does this by attaching to bile acids the liver makes from cholesterol in its fat digesting process. Additionally, the high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A found in zucchini prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the body’s blood vessels, which hampers the onset of atherosclerosis.

Cancer Prevention

The dietary fiber in zucchini is a wonderful aid in promoting regularity,which  help prevent carcinogenic toxins from settling in the colon. The vitamins C, vitamin A, and folate, act as powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress, which has been responsible for leading to many different types of cancer.

Prostate Health

Scientific research has shown that phytonutrients found in zucchini aid in reducing the symptoms of benign
prostatic hypertrophy (BOH).  BOH is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and leads
to complications that include trouble with urination and sexual functions in men.

Anti-Inflammatory
The powerful antioxidants Vitamins C and A found in zucchini are effective anti-inflammatory agents. Copper is also found in zucchini, which has been known ward off the development of many hyper-inflammatory disorders, including asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention

Zucchini is rich in magnesium a mineral which has been proven to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
One cup of zucchini provides 10% of the RDA of Magnesium.
Zucchini is also rich in folate, a vitamin needed to break down dangerous amino acid homocysteine.
High Homocycsteine levels can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Lower Blood Pressure
The potassium found in zucchini is a great help in lowering blood pressure naturally.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to arteriosclerosis (blood
vessel damage), heart attack, stroke, and many other serious medical conditions. Both
the potassium and magnesium in zucchini, can aid in alleviating stress on the
body’s circulatory system.

High in Manganese

Zucchini also has a wonderful trace mineral and essential nutrient, manganese which provides many health benefits.
Manganese contributes to many of the needed physiological functions. One cup of zucchini provides 19% of the RDA of manganese, which helps the body metabolize protein and carbohydrates.

The manganese in zucchini increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress. Manganese is essential for the production of proline, an amino acid that allows collagen to form.  Proline production allows for healthy skin and proper wound-healing.

Now that you are aware of the Abundant Nutrition Zucchini brings be sure to get some on your plate!