There are many varieties of Summer Squash and zucchini is the most well known. The benefits of zucchini are the same benefits as all the summer squash with just slight variety and nutrient density. We talk about zucchini because it is a major vegetable essence ingredient in our complex whole food supplements Super Fuel and Super Fuel Plus. The other summer squash are Pattypan, Crookneck and Straightneck Squash.
Zucchini Health Benefits
Nutritional research on zucchini health benefits is very slim. However, zucchini juice has the same properties as other heavier researched vegetables and they have been found to prevent cell mutation. Cell mutation is the beginning stage of cancer cells. Zucchini extracts have also been found to help reduce symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy, or BPH. BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland and is a fairly large problem on the male side of medical conditions. Along with other plant sterols squash may help this condition.
Some of the nutrients in zucchini have been shown to help prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Magnesium research shows it will help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Combined with potassium, magnesium helps reduce high blood pressure.
Zucchini is an antioxidant food. The antioxidants Vitamin C and beta-carotene help to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol which in turn helps against the prevention of heart disease. Since oxidized cholesterol is the type that builds up in blood vessel walls, these nutrients may help to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis. Inflammation is now being talked about by the medical profession as being the real culprit in heart disease and most others as well. The vitamin folate breaks down a dangerous metabolic by product called homocysteine. To much homocysteine is brought on by inflammation. Summer squash's high fiber has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels and lower levels of cholesterol are associated with lower risk of heart disease.
In accordance with the FDA these products are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of your health care professional.
Zucchini Health benefits To Antioxidant Foods