Health Benefits of Zucchini
Health Benefits of Zucchini
Zucchini, also called courgetti, is a summer squash of the Cucurbitaceae plant family related to melons, spaghetti squash, and cucumbers. Zucchini comes in many colors including green, yellow, and light green. Even though zucchini is a fruit, it is commonly cooked as a vegetable.
Zucchini is rich in essential vitamin and minerals including vitamin A, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, folate, copper, phosphorus, vitamin B6, iron, calcium, zinc and thiamine.
Zucchini also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants including carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene. These antioxidants may help promote eye health, skin health, brain health, bone health heart health, circulation and prevent cancer.
Zucchini may help promote digestion due to its rich water and fiber content. It may help the reduce the symptoms of IBS, Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Zucchini may also lower total and bad LDL cholesterol levels. Zucchini is high in potassium which can also help manage blood pressure levels.
Zucchini may also lower blood sugar levels and may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Zucchini may also help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by decreasing the symptoms. BPH is a medical condition that is a slow, non-cancerous enlarged prostate.
Zucchini may also balance the thyroid and adrenal function.
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zucchini-benefits