Zucchini: the perfect summer electrolyte snack
By Mercedes Kay Gold, CNP, CPT
Zucchini, also known as a courgette, and one of the most versatile members of the Cucurbitaceae plant family. This summer squash may be labeled a vegetable, but is botanically classified as a fruit. The wide range of colors from sunshine yellow to various shades of light green to dark gorgeous green grass are all nutrient dense.
Zucchini contains just 17 calories a cup, literally no sugar or carbohydrates, but the vitamin A content is outstanding. Raw zucchini contains more immune boosting A and C vitamins than cooking, so save prep time and crunch and away.
Lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene are three top-notch carotenoids and zucchini is a great choice for exceptional eye-health and lowering your likeliness of cataracts. Zucchini is super for supporting skin and heaps of heart health.
Zucchini is a hydration helper, up to 95 per cent water. Slice, salt and take as a snack on hot days to stay hydrated. Potassium, magnesium and sodium; zucchini is an electrolyte, so reap the benefits of this raw on-the-go nutritious summer snack.
Don’t pass on peeling. Research shows the skin is where all the antioxidant awesomeness is found, and yellow contains more than green.
Type-2 diabetes is about stabilizing blood sugar levels. Swapping wheat pasta for spiralized raw zucchini noodles is a sensational satiating source of soluble and insoluble fiber with just 2 grams of carbohydrates a cup.
Zucchini is mild in flavor, taking on the taste of the dish. Its versatility is undeniable. Whether its roasted, raw, diced in an omelet, or stuffed with rice, zucchini is a stupendous staple. Warm up this wintertime. Diced zucchini is super in savory soups, baked for ooey gooey chocolate sweet sensations and really right-on in reams of recipes.
Mercedes Kay Gold is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Holistic Nutritionist who loves helping others live their best life when not spending time with her children and grandson, Theodore. She can be reached at mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com
Photo credit: © margouillatphotos via Canva.com
