This seriously versatile vegetable is known as “the summer squash”. The courgette (or zucchini as we call it back in New Zealand) is part of the same family (gourds) as the pumpkin, other squashes and melons.
Courgettes are very low in calories and they contain no saturated fats or cholesterol. The dietary fibre in courgettes helps to lower cholesterol and promotes healthy and regular bowel movements, protecting against colon cancers by preventing carcinogenic toxins from settling in the colon.
Courgettes also contain a good amount of phytonutrients, vitamin A and vitamin C that act as powerful antioxidants which help to keep your immune system strong, help you heal faster and reduce inflammation. They neutralise harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress that can lead to many different types of cancer.
Courgettes are a good source of manganese which is necessary for normal brain and nerve function. The magnesium in courgettes is good for metabolism, and the potassium helps lower blood pressure.
Courgettes (especially the ones with the golden skins) are rich in carotenoid antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, which all help to protect the eyes from harmful UV damage.
The courgette is a wonderfully versatile veggie and can be a great alternative to pasta (try courgetti and clean lasagne)
Here are some recipes that use courgette
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