20 health benefits of zucchini

Here is a list of 20 ways in which zucchini can benefit our health.

Zucchini or courgette is a vegetable that offers various health benefits for our skin, hair, and overall health. Read on to know more about it.

For weight loss. Zucchini is low in carbs and high in fiber, which fills up the belly faster without making us over eat. It also has a high water content and is low in the glycemic index that is beneficial in weight loss and weight maintenance.

For heart health. Zucchini is low in fat, cholesterol, carbs, and sodium, and has a high fiber content. It makes it highly beneficial to improve heart health. It is also rich in folate, potassium, and magnesium that reduces the risk of heart disease.

Improves eye health. Zucchini is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two antioxidants that are beneficial in preventing age related macular degeneration. It is also rich in vitamin A, which is also beneficial in improving eye health.

Controls diabetes. Non-starchy foods such as zucchini are beneficial against diabetes as it is rich in dietary fiber including both soluble and insoluble fibers.

Lowers cholesterol. Zucchini contains no cholesterol and can be a healthy inclusion in the cholesterol lowering diet.

Cures asthma. It is rich in vitamin C, which offers the anti-inflammatory property to cure asthma and bronchial hypersensitivity. It is also rich in copper, which is highly effective in treating asthma.

Prevents colon cancer. Its high fiber content helps in preventing colon cancer by regulating the normal intestinal functioning and maintaining the intestinal health. It also contains lutein, which also reduces the risk of colon cancer.

Improves digestion. Zucchini, if consumed in soups or as a salad, can aid digestion as its high dietary fiber content adds bulk to the diet.

Lowers blood pressure. Zucchini is high in potassium, which is beneficial in combating hypertension.

Delays signs of aging. Zucchini is rich in various nutrients such as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, beta carotene, riboflavin, and vitamin C, all of which have been found to slow down the signs of aging.

Strengthens teeth and bones. The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin K, magnesium, folate, and phytochemicals like indoles are highly beneficial in maintaining the integrity of the bones and teeth.

Promotes thyroid activity. Zucchini is rich in manganese, which promotes the optimum functioning of thyroid gland.

Helps in pregnancy. Zucchini contains B complex vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, all of which lowers the risk of premature labor and ensures proper growth and development of the fetus.

Prevents gout. High vitamin C content of zucchini is beneficial in the prevention of gout.

Prevents prostate cancer. High phytonutrient, carotenoid, beta carotene, vitamin C, lutein, and dietary fiber content of zucchini is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Promotes collagen formation. Zucchini contains riboflavin, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and zeaxanthin, all of which are closely associated with enhanced skin health.

Hydrates the skin. It is rich in water and lutein, both of which are associated with well hydrated skin.

Improves brain health. Zucchini is rich in folate, water, vitamin C, omega 3 fatty acids, and zinc, which contributes to enhanced brain health.

For hair growth. This green vegetable is rich in zinc and vitamin C that makes the hair strands supple and strong.

Boosts immunity. High vitamin C content of zucchini is significantly associated with an improved immune system.