Zucchini has low calories which is good for people who want to lose weight. It contains good amounts of Vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin A, all important for good health. When eating zucchini, you should also avoid removing the skin because it contains the nutrient beta-carotene, a vitamin that acts as an antioxidant thus protecting cells against oxidation damage.

Chicken Sausage & Zucchini Soup

5 links (no-sugar added) chicken sausage
Coconut or MCT oil, for browning sausage
1 small onion, diced small
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
2 cups diced zucchini
4 cans chicken broth
2 cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
1-2 cups water
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried basil (I also use fresh basil – about 3 leaves)
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping soup (optional)

Brown sausage links in oil in until browned. Cut in slices and place sausage back in frying pan and brown both sides of slices. Combine chicken stock, tomatoes, oregano, and basil in medium stock pot and simmer. Add browned sausage. Put onions in pan you used to brown sausage and saute 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more. Add to soup. Simmer 30 minutes. Cut ends off zucchini and cut lengthwise into fourths, then slice. Add zucchini to soup and simmer 15 minutes. Taste soup for flavor and add 1-2 cups of water if needed. Stir in fresh basil (if using) and cook 5 minutes more. Serve soup with fresh grated Parmesan cheese if desired.