Boost Your Health with Zucchini: 10 Facts You Should Know

If you are counting calories, then you should add zucchini to your diet. The veggie is very low in calories. Therefore, you can substitute other portions for a large helping of zucchini and still keep your calorie count low. Since you are taking in fewer calories by eating this summer squash, you can burn off extra calories when you exercise and start to lose weight. Fiber found in zucchini can also help burn fat. With 95% water, this vegetable can also hydrate your body and give you more energy.

Just like its cousin vegetable the cucumber, zucchini can also reduce puffy bags from under your eyes. They can form because of excessive water retention, and since zucchini is rich with water, it can reduce the inflammation of the skin. The vegetable also has the carotenoid known as Beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. When you digest this squash, it will stimulate cell development, which enhances your vision and prevents age-related diseases such as macular degeneration.

Even though it’s not a dairy product, zucchini contains calcium. This mineral is ideal for building strong bones and teeth. Not only does the calcium found in this vegetable great for healthy teeth and bones, but it also helps your nervous system function properly. You should include a side of zucchini with your dinner this evening.

This type of squash is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. They work to keep cholesterol from oxidizing in your blood vessels. In turn, eating zucchini can delay the onset of atherosclerosis. Being high in fiber, the vegetable also helps lower cholesterol and rid the body of toxins. Eating more is a natural way to reduce cholesterol levels.

With a decent amount of potassium, zucchini might help lower your blood pressure. It also has the mineral magnesium. Magnesium can also regulate your blood pressure and keep your heartbeat at a normal rate. There are also moderate levels of folate, which can break down certain amino acids that can contribute to a stroke or heart attack such as homocysteine. All of these things can help protect your heart.

As mentioned before, this vegetable is great for eye health including the reduction of puffy skin. Since this summer squash is 95% water content, it hydrates your body as well as other parts of your skin. Lutein found in zucchini reduces the chance of your skin responding to inflammation. Therefore, sunlight will not cause as much damage to your skin.

Zucchini is an excellent source of zinc, which means it is ideal for hair growth. Vitamin C can also help treat dry, split ends. In fact, hair growth can delay when the follicles become too large due to a vitamin C deficiency. Add more to your diet, and your hair will love it. The healthy squash will not only promote hair growth but strong strands, too.

Did you know taking more vitamin C can help fight asthma? Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C, so you should include it in your diet if you deal with the breathing condition. This particular squash has anti-inflammatory properties that help keep your lungs open and clear. It also helps combat against other respiratory problems thanks to an abundance of antioxidants.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy is a condition that occurs when a man’s prostate gland grows to an enlarged, odd size and shape. Also known as BPH, the ailment can disrupt urinary function as well as cause sexual trouble. Although more research is needed, foods containing phytonutrients such as zucchini can effectively decrease the symptoms and treat BPH. Researchers have used zucchini extracts to determine if the vegetable can cure the ailment; so far, they have been successful.

Since it is packed with vitamins and minerals, it only makes sense that eating the vegetable will help prevent disease. Being rich in fiber, zucchini can help rid your body of cancer-causing toxins. More specifically, beta-carotene, folate, and vitamin C found in the veggie can help protect these cells from dangerous chemicals in the colon. Besides that, the anti-inflammatory properties come from the beta-carotene and vitamin C, treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, asthma, and other ailments.