Zucchini

Zucchini is a highly alkaline food that is one of the mildest and easiest vegetables to digest. Zucchini is a great source of vitamin A, C, and B-complex as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, and manganese. It is high in fiber and low in calories which makes it a great weight loss food and helps to reduce constipation and bloating. Zucchini is rich in poly-phenolic antioxidants which are essential in helping to protect the body from aging, illness, and disease. Zucchini is also a good source of potassium which is an important intra- cellular electrolyte that helps to maintain fluid balance and normalize blood pressure and is vital in helping to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Zucchini contains phytonutrients that are important for prostate health as they can help to reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BOH). They also contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which can aid asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Zucchini is also known to be particularly beneficial for hypertension, cataracts, macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, diabetes, edema, multiple sclerosis, and stomach and colon cancers. Zucchini can be eaten raw, steamed, roasted, or sauteed. Raw zucchini can be spiralized or julienned with a peeler to resemble strands of spaghetti and is a healthy substitute for pasta dishes. Zucchini is also wonderful added to salads, soups, wraps, nori rolls, and stir fry. They can be readily found at your local grocery or health food store and seasonally at the farmer’s market.