The zucchini, also known as courgette, is a popular summer squash. Zucchini comes in the different colors, ranging from dark to light green, and they are usually shaped like a cucumber. In plenty of world cuisines, zucchini is treated as a vegetable: cooked or presented as a savory dish or accompaniment. A zucchini is often eaten steamed, boiled, grilled, stuffed and baked, barbecued, fried, or incorporated in other recipes such as soufflés. It may also be baked into bread or incorporated into a cake mix.
Health benefits of zucchini
Zucchini is full of different nutrients and to get the most out of them, one should eat the rind. A useful cooking tip to remember is that washing the zucchini is far better than peeling the skin off. Zucchini is rich in vitamins C, A, K and B. Moreover, it is full with different minerals such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. Other beneficial compounds found in zucchini are dietary fibers and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Healthy balance on nutrients in zucchini may promote good heart health. Vitamin c and carotenes, found in zucchini, are potent antioxidants responsible for regulation of bad cholesterol in the blood. Minerals such as magnesium and potassium may, on the other hand, help to normalize blood pressure. Folate, also present in zucchini, participates in the process of breaking down homocysteine. High homocysteine levels are linked to increased risk of heart attack.
Zucchini possesses strong anti-inflammatory property and may be beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain. This is especially beneficial to patients suffering from arthritis and asthma. Moreover, it is reported that zucchini could prevent age-related prostate enlargement.
Calories in zucchini
Zucchinis are extremely rich in water. At least 95% of their mass is composed of water. This feature, their high nutritious value and very low amount of calories, make the zucchini perfect food for people on diet. High amount of water is especially beneficial during the summer months, as it helps to keep the body well hydrated.
Here is the quick review of the calorie content in zucchinis:Raw zucchini, 124 grams, contains approximately 20 calories.Baby zucchini, 85 grams, contains approximately 2 calories.Boiled zucchini with salt, 90 grams contains approximately 14 calories.Grilled zucchini, 110 grams, contains approximately 70 calories.Beer battered zucchini slivers, 100 grams, contain approximately 190 calories.For a perfectly balanced diet plan, one should eat raw zucchinis or slightly steamed ones. Zucchinis will not only help someone lose weight, they will rejuvenate and detoxify the body. Their high amount of water is extremely useful in ridding the body of excess toxins.
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