The first time I came across this amazing fruit, Zucchini, I mistook it for cucumber; many people I told said the same thing. There is no doubt that there are many surprising health benefits of zucchini which many are not aware of including me until I began to do research on it and added it to my list of green fruits.
Zucchini, which is also known as courgette is a summer squash that is native to the Americans. Zucchini is usually dark or light green. Although it has varieties of colors such as yellow, orange, and dark or light yellow.
It also comes in different types but we know a few around us which are Aristocrat, Gold Rush, Black Zucchini, and Zucchini Gadzukes.
Let me quickly and briefly explain these common types of the fruit before we proceed to the health benefits of zucchini.
The first type which is Aristocrat has waxy skin and is medium green. Gold Rush has a golden fruit. Black Zucchini has dark green skin and the fruit has white flesh. This is said to be the most common variety of zucchini. Lastly is the Zucchini Gadzukes which is green with distinct light green ridges.
Let us now get down to the amazing health benefits of zucchini. It would be good to know that zucchini also has other benefits on the skin, hair, and general health.
1). Contains Nutrients and Antioxidant Properties
Among the health benefits of zucchini is the high amount of nutrients it contains. In addition to this, it has a high amount of vitamin A, minerals, and other plant compounds that are beneficial to the body system.
Zucchini also has fiber content and a minimal amount of calories, fat, and sugar. According to research, the nutrients found in a one-cup per serving of raw zucchini contain 62 grams of calories, 2 grams of protein, less than one gram of fat, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of sugar.
2). Prevents Cancer
Cancer prevention is one of its roles which makes it one of the amazing health benefits of eating zucchini. This summer squash contains zeaxanthin and several other components that have the potential to avoid oxidative stress, which in turn limits the high-risk factor of developing any cancerous element.
3). Prevents and Controls Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the highest and silent killer diseases in the world today. Many people are looking for solutions and preventive measures to manage and control diabetes. Fortunately, zucchini does a great job of preventing this disease and also helps you to control it if you are diabetic already.
Zucchini is a non-starchy food that helps you get filled up and less hungry. Dietary fiber can also delay the absorption of glucose and help more people with type 2 diabetes. A study reveals that the usefulness of insoluble dietary fiber can reduce the risk of diabetes.
It is also good to know that soluble fiber can improve glucose tolerance in diabetics; with the combination of both soluble and insoluble fiber in zucchini.
4). Reduces Cholesterol
Bad cholesterol is another silent killer disease in the world especially in developed countries. Zucchini presents itself as one of the few foods we have that has less or no cholesterol. This is one of the amazing health benefits of eating zucchini you should consider if you are overweight or obese. You can also include it in your list of low-cholesterol diets. The presence of soluble fiber makes it eligible to help lower the bad cholesterol found in the blood.
5). Skin Protection
Protection of the skin against irritation, disease, or aging is very important to our health. Zucchini has carotenoids that build up in its skin, a similar result happens to our skin when we consume it regularly. This property protects our skin from pollution, UV rays, and aging. It also enhances the hydration, elasticity, and smoothness of the skin.
6). Improves Vision
Every food that contains beta-carotene automatically does the wonders of good eyesight. But zucchini has more than just that for vision improvement, it is a good source of some antioxidant properties and phytonutrients which consist of vitamin C, magnesium, zeaxanthin, and lutein.
These nutrients are majorly for help in ensuring complete maintenance and improvement of the eyes by its fight against free radicals.
Another amazing way to use zucchini for eye enhancement is serving as a treatment for puffy eyes. You can achieve this when you place a few slices of raw zucchini over your eyes. Then leave the slices on your eyes for about thirty minutes. You will enjoy it more when it is a bit cool or chilled. For a better result, you should repeat this process several times daily.
7). Energy Booster
I know you will be amazed at this, but zucchini is actually an energy booster! Its rich source of B vitamins most especially folate, riboflavin, and B6 are essential to the immune system and its enhancement. These vitamins will promote energy creation in the body, reduce fatigue, and also enhance your moods (for those who swap moods or have consistent mood swings).
Do you know that the body requires B vitamins for protein and carbohydrate metabolism for the enhancement of the brain? Trust me, zucchini can do this and more.
8). Promotes Healthy Heart
Who can function without a healthy heart? Your answer is mine – none exists. This is why zucchini is important in your regular meal. The promotion of a healthy heart is one of the amazing health benefits of eating zucchini. Research reveals that regular consumption of foods that are rich in carotenoids (zucchini is among them) has the potential to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or heart-related diseases.
9). Healthy bones and strong teeth
The weakness of bones is common among elderly persons, hence the quick prevention of this disease or deficiency in old age. This is a result of the lutein and zeaxanthin found in zucchini. They also strengthen the teeth and blood cells. With its addition of vitamin K, folate, and magnesium, you can rest assured that zucchini will help improve the muscles.
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