Zucchini & Yellow Squash

Author: Chris Conkey

summer squashWe tend to think of summer squash as the yellow squash.  Actually zucchini and yellow squash are both in the summer squash family.  These two are similar in size and shape so they work well together in recipes adding appetizing color to the meal.  Both are high in water content and low in calories.  They can be used in a variety of ways, but steaming them retains the most nutritional value.

Heart Healthy

The fiber found in zucchini and summer squash actually lowers cholesterol.  The vitamins A & C help too by preventing cholesterol from oxidizing and filling your arteries with plaque.  These antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.  Additionally the fiber prevents constipation and maintains low blood sugar.

Magnesium and potassium lower blood pressure and relieve the stress on the circulatory summer squashsystem, reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Folate lends a helping hand in making us heart healthy.

Summer Squash For Your Prostate, Skin, And Energy

Studies have found phytonutrients in zucchini that aid in preventing the prostate gland from enlarging.  An enlarged prostate causes complications with urination and sexual functions in men.

One cup of zucchini contains 19% of the recommended daily allowance of Manganese (not to be confused with magnesium).  Manganese helps the body metabolize protein and carbohydrates so they don’t just turn to fat.  It aids in the production of sex hormones, healthy skin and wound healing.

Zucchini and summer squash are a great source of most B vitamins.  The B vitamins are instrumental in producing energy and lowering stress.summer squash

Lower the Flame Inside!

Several vitamins and nutrients combine to act as an anti-inflammatory that lessens the development of asthma and arthritis.  The anti-inflammatory properties also are believed to aid in reducing the risk of ulcers and the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Resources

http://blog.primohealthcoach.com/blog/bid/83850/The-Health-Benefits-Of-Zucchini-Squash

http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/summer-squash-and-zucchini

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-zucchini-1313.html

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/zucchini.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=62

http://www.livestrong.com/article/243231-what-are-the-benefits-of-squash-zucchini/

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/8-health-benefits-of-zucchini.html