Zucchini – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/06/2017 / By Tim Wesley

Zucchinis (also called courgettes) are a summer squash that has a green color. Although they’re usually considered a vegetable, zucchinis are actually a fruit. These are a staple in backyard vegetable gardens, which is probably why they are widely used in many households. These have thin, edible green skins and creamy white flesh with soft seeds. Zucchinis, which resemble cucumbers in shape, are often cooked as an accompaniment to cooked dishes.

List of known nutrients

Calcium
Carbohydrates
Carotenes
Dietary Fiber
Folate
Iron
Lutein
Magnesium
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Protein
Sodium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B3
Vitamin C
Zeaxanthin
Zinc

Medicinal uses for zucchinis

Zucchinis are great for the heart. According to a report published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, these are a vital component of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet because they can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Zucchinis are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. They help regulate the proper balance of carbohydrates, which is important in maintaining in keeping the heart healthy. Additionally, the high fiber content makes zucchinis ideal in reducing the probability of experiencing strokes, heart ailments, and heart disease.

Folate, on the other hand, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease along with magnesium and potassium. Potassium is known to help lower blood pressure, which is one of the causes of heart ailments. One study has found that the lack of riboflavin, another mineral present in zucchinis, contributed to heart disease in children. Interestingly, zucchinis are one of the few foods that have no cholesterol.

While cucumbers are great for reducing eye bags, zucchinis are effective in protecting your vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants known to prevent macular degeneration. Vitamin A and beta-carotenes present also help ensure your eyes are protected from infections.

For diabetic or pre-diabetic patients, including zucchinis in your diets is a good idea. Zucchinis contain insoluble fiber which has been proven to stop type-2 diabetes. The fiber helps delay glucose absorption and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Zucchinis are also abundant in vitamin C, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help treat asthma and bronchial hypersensitivity. You can also alleviate common cold symptoms with this vitamin. That vitamin C is also responsible for helping prevent gout.

Fiber is crucial in zucchinis’ anti-cancer properties. This has been found to help treat colon cancer by retaining enough moisture in the fecal matter, absorbing excess water in the colon, and passing stool smoothly. It would follow that zucchinis are also great for digestion. Data shows that the courgette promotes healthy digestion.

Body systems supported by zucchinis

Zucchinis are one of the easiest ways to look and stay healthy. If you want to have great-looking hair, eat more of these. These are rich in zinc for hair growth, and vitamin C for dry and split hair. These can strengthen the hair strands and prevent fall out. Likewise, these promote healthy skin. Zucchinis aid in hydrating the skin and reduce inflammation. They also help protect the skin from sun damage.

You can also enjoy better cognitive performance by eating green foods like zucchinis. These are rich in folate, which makes them excellent for brain health. Folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia. By getting more than enough of this nutrient, you should also be able to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Men will love zucchinis for the simple fact that these help prevent prostate cancer. Thanks to carotenes and lutein, men will be able to reduce the risk of developing cancer. On the other hand, pregnant women will want to include these in their diets because zucchinis offer B-complex vitamins that regulate energy levels and mood. They are also rich in folic acid, which is vital in preventing certain birth defects. Zucchinis aid in weight loss, strengthening bones and teeth, and delaying the signs of aging.

Ways to use zucchinis

So what else can you do with zucchinis aside from munching on them raw or adding them on cooked dishes? We’ve got 16 quick and tasty zucchini recipes for you to enjoy.