Ingredient Spotlight: Zucchini - Cucurbita pepo

This vegetable is rich in various nutrients that help promote health. Several plant species are important sources of constituents that can help protect against chronic diseases. Let us explore some of the beneficial effects of zucchini:

• Nutrient content: This vegetable group is rich in vitamin C, alpha and beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, chlorophyll, flavonoids, fiber, and other nutrients. Lutein is very beneficial for your skin and eye health (prevention of cataract and macular degeneration).

• Cancer prevention: Carotenoids are known for their cancer-preventative properties in experimental studies. The yellow zucchini has a higher carotenoid content when compared to its green counterpart.

• Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties: This vegetable is rich in constituents like phenolics, vitamin C, carotenoids, and chlorophylls that are protective when included in our diet.

• Weight Management: Organic Zucchini along with other vegetables and fruits has health-promoting effects that help in weight control. Organic varieties tend to have a higher nutritional content of bioactive agents that help improve health when incorporated in one’s diet.

After having explored the nutritional benefits of this vegetable, we realize that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and our preferences for organic varieties whenever possible help boost the nutritional profile of our foods. Our health is impacted by the foods we eat, so it is our duty to choose well. As always, I wish that you make your health a priority and live long and strong!