How to Use Zucchini for an Appetizer or Side Dish

Fresh Fried Zucchini with Grass-fed Parmesan

You will need:

• Zucchini, sliced into 1/2'' thick pieces
• Olive Oil and grass-fed Butter, or Ghee for frying
• Sea Salt and Pepper
• Grass-fed Grated Parmesan Cheese
  

1. Heat butter and oil in pan  (butter makes oil more heat stable for frying.)
2. Place slices in pan on high and brown each side, turning once
3. Move to a warm plate and sprinkle salt, pepper, and cheese on top while hot.
4. Serve Warm and Enjoy!

6 Health Benefits of Zucchini

1. Cancer PreventionVitamins C and A, as well as folate, found in zucchini act as powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress that can lead to many different types of cancer.
2. Prostate HealthStudies show that the phytonutrients in zucchini aid in reducing the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BOH), a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and leads to complications with urination and sexual functions in men.
3. Anti-InflammatoryVitamins C and A not only serve the body as powerful antioxidants, but also as effective anti-inflammatory agents. Along with the copper found in zucchini, these vitamins deter the development of many hyper-inflammatory disorders, including asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Heart Attack and Stroke PreventionA one cup serving of zucchini contains over 10% of the RDA of magnesium, a mineral
   proven to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Zucchini also provides folate, a vitamin needed to break down the dangerous amino acid homocysteine, which - if levels in the body shoot up - can contribute to heart attack and stroke.
5. Lower Blood PressureAlong with magnesium, the potassium found in zucchini helps lower blood pressure. Both the potassium and magnesium in zucchini, however, can help alleviate the stress on the body's circulatory system.
6. High in Manganese A trace mineral and essential nutrient, manganese provides many health benefits and contributes to a slew of normal physiological functions. One cup of zucchini contains 19% of the RDA of manganese, which helps the body metabolize protein and carbohydrates, participates in the production of sex hormones, and catalyzes the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol. The manganese in zucchini also increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the enzyme responsible for protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress. Finally, manganese is essential for the production of proline, and amino acid that allows collagen to form, thus allowing for healthy skin and proper wound-healing.

Resource  http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/8-health-benefits-of-zucchini.html and Photo Credit (1)http://tipsylaundry.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-top-5-pizza-toppings.html  (2)  http://www.the-first-time-cook.com/how-to-cook-zucchini.html