Zucchini: Versatile and Nutritious

By August, like many other gardeners, I’m loaded down with zucchini, and so are all my gardener friends. It’s just so easy to grow, and luckily it’s very versatile.

There are several kinds of summer squash, but most common are zucchini and yellow squash. All share some healthy qualities. They’re a good source of fiber, vitamin C and carotenoids, trace minerals and potassium. They’re low in fat and calories, and can fill you up nicely. Summer squash can be used in everything from salads to cakes.

As we near the end of the summer, inevitably, I find one baseball bat-sized zuke that escaped detection. I use it to make baked stuffed zucchini. That way, I sccop out the big seeds and tough skin, and use only the flesh that is still tender.

Summer squash can be the center of any number of light vegetarian meals. For inspiration, my favorite cookbook is Cooking from an Italian Garden by Paolo Scaravelli amd Jon Cohen.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Take advantage of the abundant fruit and vegetable offerings of summertime and include nutritious low-calorie foods such as zucchini in your diet whenever you can.

QUICK TIP: Use summer squash a a low-carb pasta replacement! Learn More

Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.