In this blog, I wanted to spotlight the zucchini.

zucchini

Zucchini’s are quite popular, especially this time of year when they are in season, as many people grow them in their garden, buy them at their local farmers market, or neighborhood grocery store. In the culinary world, the zucchini is considered a vegetable for cooking, as it is often served alone or with an entree, but technically they are a fruit because they come from a flower.¹ It doesn’t really matter, how they are classified. The bottom line is they are good for you and contain vital nutrients your body needs. In my new book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living, I talk a little about how vegetables contain vital nutrients you can’t get from other sources, or just vitamins. That is why it is important to add more bright colored foods to your diet and chose to spotlight the zucchini. Make sure you eat your vegetables for vitality and sustained energy.

vital nutrients

Zucchini’s are part of the squash family and are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. The vitamin C also helps reduce colds, helps you maintain healthy skin, and helps prevent disease.

Vitamin C

Like kale, zucchini’s are also rich in vitamin A, which helps with eye health.  In addition, they contain protein, potassium, calcium, and a number of B vitamins.

healthy eyes

Zucchini’s have numerous other health benefits too. One benefit of eating zucchini you may not be aware of is that it can aid in weight loss. That’s right! Like the banana, zucchini’s are loaded with fiber, so they make you feel full even though they are low in calories. They also have a high water content, so they also help you stay hydrated. They also help prevent cancer and have been proven beneficial to those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and various other diseases.

weight loss

Zucchini’s can be prepared in a number of ways. You can slice them up and saute them in olive oil with a little garlic, salt, pepper and lemon. You can also add them to salads, or entrees, including spaghetti, stir fries and more.

sliced zucchini

Zucchini’s can be  sliced in half and put on the grill with a little seasoning or pizza sauce and cheese.

zucchini halves

They can be shredded for zucchini bread, or one of my favorites, chocolate zucchini cake (look for that recipe blog soon), there are many possibilities.

shredded zucchini

Make sure you enjoy this summertime vegetable/fruit this season and reap it’s many healthful benefits.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Source:

¹“Zucchini.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Aug. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zucchini.

²“5 Amazing Zucchini Benefits.” Organic Facts, 12 June 2017, www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-zucchini.html.