Patriot Health Digest
This summer vegetable is well known for being very versatile; you can transform it into pizza or bread. Yet, beyond the culinary flexibility, it also has some serious health benefits!
From easier digestion to fighting away infections, this non-starchy veggie is an all-star food for boosting your nutrition game. Here is what you need to know about eating zucchini.
1 — Solves stomach problems.
If you struggle with an irritable bowel (also known as IBS), zucchini could be your go-to stomach-friendly veggie. Zucchini is low in the kind of fiber that is hard to digest called FODMAPs. Low FODMAP veggies and foods are much less likely to lead to bloating or other GI distress—especially in people with IBS!
2 — Stabilizes your blood sugars.
Zucchini is also a low-carb, low-glycemic food that is good for your post-meal blood sugar. If you are watching your carbs, consuming zucchini is just what you need to do. Bottom line: it is a great food for managing your blood sugar!
3 — Lowers your risk for heart disease.
Zucchini is also high in soluble fiber. Which is a specific kind of fiber that forms with fats and cholesterol in your intestinal tract. Eating more soluble fiber can lower cholesterol and lead to a healthier heart!
The Dietary Guidelines suggest consuming 25 grams of fiber each day for women and 38 grams each day for men to greatly lower the cholesterol in your blood.
4 — May help with weight loss.
More research is revealing that consuming more veggies and fruits is connected to keeping a healthy weight. Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be put into just about any meal. It can be easily frozen too, so it’s simple to make sure you always have some waiting for you in the freezer!
5 — Helps fight away infections.
Zucchini is also a great source of Vitamin B6—which is a powerful vitamin for your immunity. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to a decrease in lymphocyte production. These are the cells that are the powerhouses of your immune system. They work to combat infection and get rid of intrusive viruses!
Author: Steven Sinclaire
