Zucchinis have a pleasant flavor, and they are responsible for adding an amazing taste to most cuisines. Moreover, zucchinis boast plenty of surprising health benefits. They are low in calories and high in essential nutrients your body needs to function well.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that you can use all year long. If you are looking to improve your diet and health, consider incorporating zucchini into your meal plan. Here’s why you should be eating more zucchini:
1. Reduce your cancer risk
Zucchini is very high in fiber that can help to prevent carcinogens from the large intestine and aid in healthy bowel movement. Zucchini is also a wonderful source of folic acid and vitamin A, vitamin C, and strong anti-oxidizing agents that destroy carcinogens, which lead to different kinds of malignant cancers.
2. Zucchini can help cure asthma
Of course, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit your doctor, but eat zucchinis. Seeing a doctor when you have any health issues – be they small or serious – is a must.
If you have asthma, then your doctor will probably recommend you to eat zucchini regularly. Zucchini helps cure asthma since it contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, and has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Lower cholesterol
Zucchini can lower cholesterol due to its high fiber content by congregating with the acids produced by the liver for digesting fat. Since the fiber mixes with the acid, it can shadow its ability to digest fat. The liver uses more cholesterol to make bile acids, simultaneously reducing the cholesterol level in your body.
More: 10 Stuffed Summer Squash Vegetarian Recipes
4. Prevent stroke and cardiac arrest
A cup of zucchini contains approximately 10% of recommended daily intake of magnesium that helps reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. It also contains a vitamin and folic acid, which subjugates fatal homocysteine that can cause thrombosis and heart disease. There are many heart-healthy foods, and zucchini is one of them.
5. Zucchini is high in nutrients
Zucchinis have useful amounts of lutein that are good for your eyes and your overall health. Moreover, it has a very high water content (about 95%), which means eating raw or grilled zucchinis during the hot summer weather helps prevent dehydration. Zucchinis are also rich in vitamin B6, manganese, and riboflavin, essential for a human body to function properly.
6. Reduce your blood pressure
Along with magnesium, the potassium found in zucchinis can help reduce blood pressure. If you are suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure, try eating zucchinis on a regular basis.
Again, it doesn’t mean that you can skip your doctor’s appointment. Studies show that zucchini can also help prevent arteriosclerosis, typically caused by excessively high blood pressure.
7. Zucchini contains beta-carotene
Zucchini is an excellent source of beta-carotene. This vitamin is found in the rind of zucchini, so don’t peel zucchinis before cooking to be sure you have all of the nutrients.
Don’t forget to wash the rind to prevent an intake of leaf bugs or a worm. I love making zucchini salads and zucchini noodles to get my daily dose of beta-carotene.
More: 10 Fresh Summer Salads
8. It’s low in calories
Do you know that zucchinis are very low in calories? A regular and healthy intake of zucchini consists of approximately 30 calories.
That’s what makes zucchini a perfect vegetable to satisfy your hunger without increasing calories and wrecking your diet plan. Although zucchini has low-calorie content, it boasts a host of crucially important vitamins and minerals.
Now that you know some of the best health benefits of eating zucchini, what are you waiting for? Grab one and make some tasty salad to help your body function at its best. The great news is zucchini provides lots of nutrients for very few calories, which means you can consume this awesome vegetable without counting calories.
What’s your best way to include zucchini in your weekly meal plan?1