December’s food of the month is: zucchini!
Zucchini, also known as courgettes, represents one of the numerous vegetables in the squash family that has a variety of mental health benefits. It can be eaten raw or cooked and is an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
Recognized by its green color, zucchini is rich in magnesium, a mineral essential to prevent mental and emotional problems. A magnesium deficiency usually results in moodiness, anxiety, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Magnesium is recommended for people who experience irritability and chronic stress.
Zucchini is also an excellent source of potassium. This mineral is necessary to improve depressive symptom such as weakness, fatigue and tearfulness. A potassium rich diet is also associated with increased alertness, ultimately helping improve learning and information retention. Foods high in potassium, such as zucchini, help your body recover from stress by normalizing the heartbeat and sending oxygen to the brain, both of which are off-balance during times of stress.
Beta-carotene are found in significant amounts in zucchini. Beta-carotene is a type of anti-oxidant which has been shown to protect against declining memory. Diets high in beta-carotene keep thought processes and learning skills sharp. These skills are important to prevent against the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, zucchini is a rich source of manganese, a mineral necessary for proper and optimal brain functioning. It is closely related to improving depressive symptoms such as irritability, low mood, fatigue and sadness. People with low mood or chronic fatigue are encouraged to eat diets rich in manganese.
Finally, zucchini is also source of vitamin C. During times of stress, the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline and as the stress persists the glands become fatigued. Vitamin C strengthens these glands and can increase energy and improve concentration.
How do you like to eat zucchini?