Tag Archive: foods to prevent stroke


Health Benefits of Zucchini

There are many health benefits that zucchini and its summer squash family bring.  Zucchini has a delicious rich taste with a crisp texture.  Zucchini is a wonderful veggie that can easily compliment an array of culinary dishes.

With the abundant health properties zucchini brings we should all try to bring it into our meals this summer season.

Diet

Zucchini is a great veggie to keep you slim and trim.  Whether you are watching your weight and looking to reduce unwanted pounds or simply looking for healthy foods to help you maintain your figure, zucchini is a winner.  One cup of zucchini has under 40 calories and meets 10% percent of your daily fiber intake.  Zucchini is great for aiding digestion, and constipation.  Zucchini maintains low blood sugar and aids in curbing hunger helping you from overeating.

Cholesterol Lowering

The fiber found in zucchini is a great aid in lowering cholesterol.  It does this by attaching to bile acids the liver makes from cholesterol in its fat digesting process. Additionally, the high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A found in zucchini prevent cholesterol from oxidizing in the body’s blood vessels, which hampers the onset of atherosclerosis.

Cancer Prevention

The dietary fiber in zucchini is a wonderful aid in promoting regularity,which  help prevent carcinogenic toxins from settling in the colon. The vitamins C, vitamin A, and folate, act as powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress, which has been responsible for leading to many different types of cancer.

Prostate Health

Scientific research has shown that phytonutrients found in zucchini aid in reducing the symptoms of benign
prostatic hypertrophy (BOH).  BOH is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and leads
to complications that include trouble with urination and sexual functions in men.

Anti-Inflammatory
The powerful antioxidants Vitamins C and A found in zucchini are effective anti-inflammatory agents. Copper is also found in zucchini, which has been known ward off the development of many hyper-inflammatory disorders, including asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention

Zucchini is rich in magnesium a mineral which has been proven to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
One cup of zucchini provides 10% of the RDA of Magnesium.
Zucchini is also rich in folate, a vitamin needed to break down dangerous amino acid homocysteine.
High Homocycsteine levels can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Lower Blood Pressure
The potassium found in zucchini is a great help in lowering blood pressure naturally.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to arteriosclerosis (blood
vessel damage), heart attack, stroke, and many other serious medical conditions. Both
the potassium and magnesium in zucchini, can aid in alleviating stress on the
body’s circulatory system.

High in Manganese

Zucchini also has a wonderful trace mineral and essential nutrient, manganese which provides many health benefits.
Manganese contributes to many of the needed physiological functions. One cup of zucchini provides 19% of the RDA of manganese, which helps the body metabolize protein and carbohydrates.

The manganese in zucchini increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress. Manganese is essential for the production of proline, an amino acid that allows collagen to form.  Proline production allows for healthy skin and proper wound-healing.

Now that you are aware of the Abundant Nutrition Zucchini brings be sure to get some on your plate!

HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS & LOW CALORIE SNACK

If you are looking for a highly nutritious, low calorie food then cantaloupe may be what you are looking for.  Naturally low in calories cantaloupe comes in at only 56 calories per serving, and is also a great source of vitamins A, B3, B6, C, folate, potassium, and dietary fiber.

AMAZING NUTRITION FOUND IN CANTALOUPE

The high amount of vitamin A has been thought to help, repair lung tissue. Cantaloupe has over 100% of the daily recommended level of vitamin A needed. So one simple serving of this sherbert orange melon and my A for the day is complete.  Chances are you will have more then one slice or serving.  Cantaloupe contains high amount of beta-carotene, which turns to vitamin A in the body. The vitamins and antioxidants are also a great help in improving and aiding vision.  A recent study of 50,000 women confirmed that women who got the most vitamin A reduced their risk of cataracts by 39%.  We all want to be away from the risk and simply implementing your diet with some food related Vitamin A is very helpful in keeping your body healthy and happy.

The high amount of vitamin C in cantaloupe is 100% of the daily recommended amount needed. Vitamin C can support the immune system and protect the body from the cell damage caused by free radicals. Not only does vitamin C offer antioxidant protection, it also, decreases the risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke.

The B-complex vitamins in cantaloupe help our bodies process carbohydrates and the fiber content assures the carbohydrates will be absorbed slowly by the body, stabilizing blood sugar levels. This is good news for those watching their weight, as well as people with diabetes.

A research study at Kansas State University showed that if you eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as cantaloupe, you could reduce your risk of emphysema and lung cancer. Researchers found that benzo(a)pyrene, one of the carcinogens in cigarette smoke causes a deficiency in vitamin A. Increasing your intake of vitamin A can rectify this problem and prevent the onset of emphysema and cancer.

Scientists believe that the reason some smokers can live well into their 90s is because of their vitamin A consumption. They even recommend that if you smoke or have a friend who smokes, start eating foods like cantaloupe which are rich in vitamin A. 

Others who should start eating cantaloupe and increase their consumption of cantaloupe, are people who are at risk for age-related macular degeneration. Eating three servings of fruit every day is a good way to prevent this eye disease.

Many people don’t know that cantaloupe has more potassium than a banana. Because calories in cantaloupe are so low, you won’t have to worry about eating too much. The fiber content will help aid digestion. This is also a benefit when it comes to weight loss. People who feel full do not eat as much each day.

PICKING THE PERFECT CANTALOUPE

 Make sure to choose a cantaloupe which is as ripe as possible. It should not have a stem and should feel heavy. The skin should have a slight give to it when you press down on it. It should also have a nice sweet smell. Cantaloupes are among the many fruits that will continue to ripen after they have been picked. When a cantaloupe is fully ripe, it should be placed in the refrigerator.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 563 other followers