Most people mistakenly believe zucchini to be a vegetable. However, technically, zucchini is a fruit – specifically a summer squash and a member of the gourd family. Originally from Central America, it has now spread out across the globe.
Zucchinis have quite a bit of nutritional value including plenty of fiber and water. They also contain substantial concentrations of minerals such as manganese and potassium, and vitamins C, K, B6, riboflavin, and folate.
Read on to learn nine reasons why zucchini deserves a place in your diet.
1) Zucchini Improves Your Digestion
When you incorporate zucchini into your diet, you’ll improve your digestion by reducing the frequency of digestive issues such as constipation.
Zucchini contains a large amount of fiber, as well as electrolytes and other nutrients which aid in a healthy digestive system.
Consuming zucchini regularly might help you avoid ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and even colon cancer.
2) Zucchini Slows Down the Aging Process
Aging can result from toxins and free radicals residing in your body. Anti-inflammatory foods can counteract these poisons.
Zucchinis abound with both kinds of phytonutrients, which help your body release unwanted inflammation and free radicals.
3) Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels
Often individuals with diets low in fiber and high in unhealthy carbohydrates develop high levels of blood sugar and even diabetes.
When you include zucchini on your plate, you consume more fiber. Since fiber makes you feel full longer, you may end up eating fewer carbs. Such dietary changes mean your levels of blood sugar go down, improving your sensitivity to insulin.
When this occurs, your body doesn’t need exorbitant amounts of insulin to process sugar, which in turn, lowers your risk of diabetes. Research indicates that getting a minimum of 30 grams of fiber each day can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
4) Zucchini Supports Your Heart
Although zucchini has a lot of fiber and potassium, it does not contain much sodium or fat. This combination of properties means your body can better maintain its circulation of blood.
High-potassium, low-sodium diets encourage healthy blood pressures, and fibers like the polysaccharides of zucchini can bring down cholesterol levels.
This combination works well together in maintaining healthy circulation, which helps both your heart and overall blood pressure.
5) Zucchini Keeps Your Eyes Healthy
Zucchini also contains phytonutrients, specifically lutein, zeaxanthin, manganese, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
Lutein and zeaxanthin, in particular, prove useful in the maintenance and enhancement of ocular health by fighting off free radicals. In doing so, you lower your odds of developing eye conditions associated with aging, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
6) Zucchini Boosts Your Energy Levels
Since zucchini is an abundant source of B vitamins like B6, riboflavin, and folate, it can improve your body’s ability to generate energy. Higher levels of energy can result in an improvement in your moods and a reduction in your overall fatigue levels.
Your body needs B vitamins for metabolizing carbs and protein. Such vitamins can also improve your mental cognition and other brain functions.
7) Zucchini Helps You Lose Weight
Who doesn’t want to lose a few extra pounds? Since zucchini has lots of fiber and water, but not many calories, it’s an excellent food for anyone trying to lose weight.
When you incorporate more zucchini into your diet, you boost the water and fiber content you consume. You’ll feel full for longer periods, meaning you eat less resulting in weight loss.
8) Zucchini Improves Your Adrenal and Thyroid Functions
The polyphenols and vitamin C found in zucchini can improve your adrenal and thyroid functions.
A study performed by Devi University discovered that compounds in the peels of zucchini have a good influence on both the adrenal and thyroid glands. Also, these compounds are useful in the regulation of insulin levels.
9) Zucchini Protects Against Inflammation and Oxidation
Zucchini, as you know by now, is rich in vitamin C and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. It’s also abundant in vitamin A, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. The skin of zucchini contains copious amounts of these compounds.
Regularly eating zucchini can reduce the levels of inflammation and oxidation in your body, which can boost your immunity system and protect you from diseases known to be related to inflammation.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, zucchini is quite an impressive food with an array of healing qualities. Without a doubt, it’s a food that you will want to include in your diet. Moreover, if you become an avid zucchini lover, you can even try growing it in your garden.
