-Organic Summer Squash/Zucchini (aka Courgette).
-Best to buy Organic to lower risk of pesticides and contaminants since Zucchini easily absorbs a high percentage of the compounds from the soil it grows in.
-Technically a fruit, related to Winter Squash/Pumpkin.
-Summer Squash has a high water content resulting in a healthy low carb/low glycemic index food.
-Loaded with potassium, manganese, and antioxidants like vitamins A & C to boost your immune system and lower inflammation.
-The seeds from Squash contain antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, so it can benefit your gut health, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
-Contains the fiber, Pectin, which has the ability to lower cholesterol naturally, improve arterial health, reduce inflammation, and protect against insulin resistance.
-An essential food for improving your eye health, leaky gut, and thyroid & adrenal issues to aid in hormone balance & weight loss.
-Great for restoring B Vitamin levels when losing water-weight after lowering your carb intake.
-Available year-round, but peak season for this Summer Squash is the Summer, of course.
-Much of the antioxidant content is held within Zucchini’s skin, so it’s a good idea not to peal your Squash.
-Boiling/Steaming helps to retain the most nutrients.
-It cooks pretty quickly and can become limp and watery when overcooked, so keep an eye on it since it quickly dispels its water and seeds while shrinking.
-Easy to incorporate raw in your green smoothie recipes and soups/stews.
-Can also grill or sauté and incorporate in Salads, wraps, with eggs, pasta dishes, or Pizza Recipes.
-For a nutrient-dense meal, Spiralize some Zucchini Noodles (aka ‘Zoodles’) in place of high-carb pastas/rices.
-Try my Baked Zucchini Bites for a healthier ‘tot’.
