Roasted Zucchini
Organic Soup Kitchen’s Roasted Zucchini soup features a low-sodium soup that not only helps to support eye and heart health, but also provides anti-carcinogenic properties through the protective effects of zucchini.
Zucchini is highly nutritious and contains many compounds of medicinal value, such as essential minerals and vitamins. In fact, zucchinis and many other members of the squash family were used in traditional folk medicine to treat the common cold because of its recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Zucchinis are especially high in carotenoids, which are naturally occurring pigments that are found in fruits and vegetables and have high antioxidant properties. They play an important role in the human diet, given that the body cannot make carotenoids on its own.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two types of naturally occurring carotenoids that are found in high quantities in zucchini. They are dietary antioxidants that may be protective against developing age-related macular degeneration, a common chronic eye disease that causes blurry vision and affects many older individuals. Nutritional intervention is becoming more important as method of chronic eye disease prevention; thus, diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin are recommended for aging adults.
Beta-carotene is a type of carotenoid that is also found in zucchinis. As an antioxidant, beta-carotene is especially effective at scavenging the body for reactive oxygen species, which can lead to several diseases of the heart and gut as well as cancer.Beta-carotene has been shown in multiple clinical trials and observational studies to aid with the prevention of several types of cancers, including oral, pharynx, and laryngeal cancers.
Zucchini is rich in potassium, which has been shown to play an important role in preventing hypertension (high blood pressure) and eventual coronary artery disease, or in some cases, stroke and heart failure. Potassium can widen the vessels in the body, which in turn, reduces blood pressure. Potassium the body with adequate potassium in your diet may therefore play an important role in future heart health.
Organic Soup Kitchen’s Roasted Zucchini is packed with antioxidants and potassium to provide an eye and heart healthy soup.
References
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Fiedor J, Burda K. Potential Role of Carotenoids as Antioxidants in Human Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2014;6(2):466-488. doi:10.3390/nu6020466
Rasmussen HM, Johnson EJ. Nutrients for the aging eye. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:741-748. doi:10.2147/CIA.S45399
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Weaver CM. Potassium and Health123. Adv Nutr. 2013;4(3):368S-377S. doi:10.3945/an.112.003533