Zucchini 101

photo from vegfriend.com

How do you feel about zucchini squash? 

I hope you love it as much as I do because zucchini is one the healthiest vegetables you can eat. It's also very low in calories. If you want to lose weight;  include plenty of zucchini in your diet. If you don't really care for it, perhaps a little Zucchini 101 will convince you to give it another try.

Here are the health benefits of this amazing squash: 



Zucchini helps with asthma, as it contains Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflamatory properties. Good for painful joints, too.

Zucchini is known to help prevent diseases like scurvy caused by the deficiency of vitamin C.

Regular intake of zucchini effectively lowers high homo cysteine levels in the human body

This vegetable can help prevent the risk of  multiple sclerosis (MS).

Zucchinis have high water content (over 95%) and contain a very low amount of calories. Perfect for weight loss.

Zucchini contains useful amounts of folate, potassium, and vitamin A, necessary for proper functioning of the human body.

Zucchini contains lutein. Good for the eyes!

Zucchini is a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, and manganese.

Eating zucchini is known to help the body in supporting the arrangement of capillaries.

Zucchini can help protect the body against colon cancer.

Zucchini is believed to be beneficial in preventing heart disease and related symptoms, such as high cholesterol.

The rind of zucchini contains beta-carotene, which is known to be full of antioxidant properties. Anti-oxidants protect cells against oxidation damage.

Zucchini is a good source of magnesium and phosphorus, the nutrients essential for building and maintaining healthy bones.

WOW!

So now that you know how good zucchini is for you; here's a recipe!

Creamy Coconut Zucchini. 

I love this dish because it's so exotic. This is perfect to serve to the Zucchini Skeptic. Folks who swear they hate zucchini might just change their minds.

The light, creamy sweetness comes coconut and soy milk. You can substitute almond milk for the soy and get the same delicious results.  Take a look at all the warming spices in this recipe: chili powder, turmeric, and Garam masala.  We know what those do! They rev up our metabolisms to help burn fat and calories. This recipe is a winner, in every way.

Here's the recipe: Creamy Coconut Zucchini

Serve Creamy Coconut Zucchini over steamed brown or fragrant jasmine rice.