Have you heard of zucchini? If not, then you are missing out on a wonder vegetable which is a full package of nutrients. Even though its origin is from the fruit, it can be eaten raw and can be cooked too. It goes with all the vegetables and happens to add extra taste to it.
What is zucchini?
Zucchini is most popularly known as courgette in India and other countries. It looks like a cucumber and is originated from the Cucurbitaceae plant family, and also melon and cucumber. It is originally said to be fruit as it can be eaten raw and is taken as a vegetable as well and is served cooked as well. According to science, zucchini has numerous health benefits and was first found in Italy. Then America started harvesting it because of its benefits.
9 health benefits of zucchini
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Zucchini is high in terms of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin a, vitamin c, vitamin k, and b6. It also contains protein, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, etc.
Antioxidant in nature
Because of its antioxidant nature, it benefits the heart, the skin as it fights damaging skin cells.
Helps in good digestion
A person who is at high risk of constipation should have this in their meal once a day. It helps in proper digestion and keeps an individual fit internally.
Improves heart health
As it is enriched with nutrients like fibers, it helps in fighting heart diseases. Doctors suggest that eating fiber lowers the risk of any heart-related problem. A person with a heart problem should eat zucchini as it is highly beneficial and prevents their heart from any further damage.
Good for vision
As zucchini is high in vitamin c, it is good for our vision. It assembles in the retina and helps it fight aging diseases like cataracts. It’s good for both teenagers and old age people.
Helps in weight loss
Weight loss is an obsession among youngsters nowadays. They believe that skipping a meal will help them lose weight quickly. But they don’t know that some fruits or veggies like zucchini helps in weight loss too, as it is rich in water and low calories.
Increase bone health
Zucchini contains vitamin k and also contains calcium which is beneficial for bone strength in the long run. It strengthens the bone and prevents any joint pain or muscle extraction.
Anticancerous in nature
Zucchini contains some minerals which help in killing cancer cells in the human body and prevent the risk of having cancer.
Regulates thyroid
Thyroxin hormone needs to be stable or else it causes issues in an individual. Zucchini helps in the regulation of thyroxin hormone and keeps it stable or under control.
How to consume zucchini?
Well, there are plenty of ways in which you can have zucchini as it is a versatile veggie.
- Do not feed yourself a bitter zucchini as it contains parasites that can lead to food poisoning and is very dangerous for your health. Whenever you feel the bitterness dispose of it and do not let anyone else consume it as well.
- You can eat it raw, or mix it with other raw vegetables and make a salad. A pinch of salt and pepper will add a different texture to it.
- It can be used in a soup like chicken strew and other soup like tomato soup, vegetable soup. It acts as a great breakfast or evening snack for the kids.
- As it is a versatile element it can be added with any given vegetable and can become a dish of its own.
- One can fry these and eat them as a side dish.
Conclusion
Zucchini is a versatile veggie, rich in nutrients, and is very beneficial for health purposes. If you haven’t tried it yet then buy some and try it asap. One can make so many dishes with it and also add up to their meal for a healthy livelihood.
Reference
Role of Zucchini and Its Distinctive Components in the …
Zucchini Benefits: 8 Reasons to Eat This Nutrient-Dense Food
