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Zucchini Nutrition Facts

Zucchini Nutrition Facts
The zucchini is type of summer squash belonging to the Cucurbita pepo species. There are green, light green, yellow and even orange zucchinis. Although considered by most to be a vegetable, zucchini is actually, botanically speaking, a fruit. Zucchinis originated in the Americas although many varieties have been developed in Italy. Zucchinis are grown in the United States in the warm season when there is no danger of frost. They can grow as large as a baseball bat, but when too large they are too hard. It is best to eat zucchini when it is six to eight inches long. Zucchinis provide a variety of important health benefits.
Interesting Zucchini Nutrition Facts:
Zucchini contains several key antioxidants and can be a great food source of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene.
The skin of zucchini is rich in antioxidants and should be consumed along with the rest of it.
Steaming zucchini is the best way to cook it in order to retain its nutrients.
Zucchini is high in manganese and vitamin C.
Zucchini is high in lutein and zeaxanthin which help protect against eye issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Zucchini has shown to help regulate blood sugar due to its high amounts of B-complex vitamins. Zucchini also contains zinc, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids which are also important for blood sugar regulation.
Zucchini contains a good level of dietary fiber which is important in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Zucchini also contains pectin, a polysaccharide fiber that helps to keep insulin and blood sugar in balance.
The anti-inflammatory polysaccharides in zucchinis can help protect against inflammation that would damage the GI tract and the cardiovascular system. This anti-inflammatory benefit may also help to protect against the development of type 2 diabetes.
The seeds in zucchini contain anti-microbial properties and anti-parasitic properties. They have been used for botanical and folk medicine for centuries and are still used in some parts of the world to treat tapeworms and other parasites that affect the intestinal tract.
The seeds of zucchini have also been shown to help reduce the frequency of urination often caused by non-cancerous prostate gland enlargement.
Chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can lead to various cancers in the body. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content of the zucchini is believed to be beneficial in helping to reduce cancer risk.
Zucchini contains folate which is essential for proper DNA synthesis and cell division. Folate also helps protect against neural tube defects in the fetus so it is important for pregnant women, especially those trying to become pregnant. 100g of zucchini contains 6% of the recommended daily intake of folate.
Zucchini contains a good amount of potassium which is vital for a healthy heart. Potassium reduces blood pressure and the heart rate.
1 cup of cooked zucchini contains only 36 calories, and is very low on the glycemic index, making it a healthy choice for diabetics as it does not raise blood sugar.
Zucchinis are excellent for those trying to lower cholesterol or lose weight due to their low calorie count.


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