Health Benefits Of Zucchini
July 31, 2009
Our summer meals often seem incomplete without the zucchini slices. This vegetable belongs to the squash family. Zucchini along with closely related crookneck squash, straightneck squash and pattypan squash are different varieties of summer squashes.
Zucchini is the most popular member of this family. It closely resembles the cucumber. The narrow slender body of the vegetable is green or yellow in color. Often stripes are present on the peel of the vegetable.
The creamy white flesh of zucchini contains numerous seeds. Besides the fruit, even the flowers of the zucchini plants are edible.
Nutrients
Zucchini is not only a gourmet’s delight, but it is also packed with nutrients needed for healthy living. Zucchini is rich in C, A, K and B vitamins. It is also a good source of minerals such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc. Zucchini also contains abundant dietary fibers and omega 3 fatty acids.
Good for heart
The nutrients present in zucchini are beneficial for the heart. Carotenoids, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, folate, copper and phosphorous are essential for healthy cardiovascular health. Magnesium could prevent heart attack and stroke. Both magnesium and potassium could normalize the blood pressure level.
The carotenoids and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants, which inhibit oxidation of bad cholesterol in the blood. Oxidized bad cholesterol deposits on the lining of the blood vessels, clogging the cardiac arteries and increasing the risk of heart illnesses.
Folate present in zucchini is essential to break down homocysteine, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Rise in level of homocysteine in the blood, increases the risk of heart attack. The dietary fibers present in zucchini help to lower blood cholesterol level, further reducing the risk of heart diseases.
Prevents enlarged prostate
Men have some real good reasons to increase their zucchini intake. Studies have shown that zucchini could prevent age-related prostate enlargement. Enlarged prostate, which is often a benign condition, leads to various discomforts, including difficulty in urination and sexual activities.
Anti-inflammatory property
The antioxidant nutrients of zucchini are beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain. Zucchini is beneficial for patients suffering from inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and asthma. Copper, present in zucchini, is additionally beneficial for reducing arthritis pain.
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