by
Stepy —
February 15, 2019
- Zucchini is part of the squash family, and makes a very delicious addition and texture to a variety of dishes. Like all squash, it is packed with many health benefits.
- Let’s looks at the health benefits of zucchini.
- Anti-inflammatory benefits:
- Zucchini is packed with vitamin A and vitamin C, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is known as a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and many types of cancers.
- Cancer prevention:
- It is a great source of dietary fiber, providing 1.4g per cup. Dietary fiber is essential for removing carcinogenic toxins from the colon, therefore preventing colon cancer. Also, the vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate in zucchini act as antioxidants, fighting the oxidative stress that is known to cause cancer.
- Eye health:
- Zucchini provides a good amount of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that are great for eye health. They help your eyes filter out harmful light rays and protect from age-related diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Heart health:
- Zucchini is an excellent source of magnesium, with 21.1mg per cup, which is 5% of the recommended daily value. Magnesium is a mineral proven to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The folate in zucchini helps break down an amino acid called homocysteine, which can cause heart attack and stroke if it builds up.
- Lower blood pressure:
- One cup of zucchini contains 325mg of potassium, which is 9% of the recommended daily value. According to the American Heart Association, “a diet that includes natural sources of potassium is important in controlling blood pressure because potassium lessens the effects of sodium.”
- Lowers cholesterol:
- The dietary fiber in zucchini binds with bile acids in the liver and removes it. When bile is removed, the body must break down cholesterol to create new bile, which can lower levels of cholesterol in the blood.
- High cholesterol is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Weight loss:
- Zucchini is very low in calories, with only 20 per cup. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber.
- Foods that are low in calories and high in fiber are key to an effective weight loss diet.
- Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
- For the health benefits of winter squash.
- For a healthy squash bars recipe.
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- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Squash, Summer, Zucchini, Includes Skin, Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2013.
- 2. “Potassium and High Blood Pressure.” Heart.org. American Heart Association, n.d. Web. 16 Dec. 2013.
