Hidden Health Benefits of Zucchini

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There are few vegetables on this earth that are as versatile as zucchini. Zucchini can be cooked or eaten raw and thankfully, the consumer gets the vital vitamins and nutrients in either form.

Here are a few of the wonderful benefits of zucchini:

Zucchinis are great for your heart

Potassium is essential for controlling an individuals blood pressure and zucchini is fortified with it. Every serving of zucchini is equal to 8% of the daily allotment for potassium and the reason that zucchini is so incredible is that it actually helps the body out with the effects of sodium on the body.

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Super low in calories

Many green vegetables are considered "low calorie" foods and zucchini takes this to a whole new level. A cup of zucchini contains just 19 calories, which is less than 50% of the caloric content of other similar green vegetables.

Enjoy those zucchinis pregnant women

Green vegetables are known for their folate content and zucchini is no different. Every 100 calorie serving of zucchini is responsible for 6% of your daily needs for folate. Zucchini is excellent for women who are trying to get pregnant too because its nutrients are very efficient in helping to prevent neural tube defects in an unborn child.

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Photo credit: Il-Young Ko

Good for your skin and your body

Zucchini is known for its vitamin A and C content. Vitamin A is a great antioxidant and vitamin C is an essential tool in boosting your immune system, and it's also really good for your skin.

Enjoy your zucchini and get creative with the way you cook it. Zucchini is great steamed and excellent when drizzled with a bit of olive oil and thrown directly onto the barbecue. When you are shopping at the store and you spot some aesthetically pleasing zucchinis, make sure to check their firmness and then look for one that is bright in colour and has a glossy look to it.

Best pop off and bake some zucchini bread now then....

Image title Photo credit: Flickr