This vegetable is very helpful in our kitchen. It is perfect as a main ingredient or as a garnish for meat or fish. Zucchini belongs to the Cucurbit familyIt could be said that it is a distant family of some fruits such as melon or watermelon and some vegetables such as cucumber or pumpkin.
Zucchini appears in warm areas, can't stand the cold so their time is especially in summer, although we are already used to seeing them throughout the year in supermarkets.
It's a mild flavor food, it is delicious and in part it has great medicinal properties that translate into very good benefits for the body.
This vegetable or vegetable was consumed since the time of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. We know it and consume it thanks to the Arab people who introduced it to the Mediterranean coast during the Middle Ages.
In the countries of Northern Europe it was not used until World War II.
Nutritional properties of zucchini
We tell you what its components and nutritional values are.
- Water. Like almost all vegetables and fruits, the largest component is the Water.
- Carbohydrates.
- Small amounts of fat and protein.
- It has a moderate contribution of fiber.
- Its caloric intake is low.
- We highlight the following minerals: calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus.
- Group B vitamins, such as B1, B2 and B6.
- Vitamin C that fights free radicals as it is a powerful antioxidant.
- Contains mucilage, a substance that helps the stomach to make a less heavy digestion.
- Folates. A component that stimulates the production of red and white blood cells, it is a food indicated to increase our defenses and strengthen the immune system.
Medicinal properties of zucchini
All these components make the zucchini very healthy, we tell you its most important medicinal properties.
- Laxative and antispasmodic properties. That is, it should be consumed if you have diarrhea or stomach spasms.
- Helps to lower fever, body temperature.
- Treat burns and clean rough skin.
- It is known as a powerful vermifuge, that is, it helps to eliminate worms of the intestine.
- Eliminates excess fluids from the body, it is a diuretic. It favors the elimination of toxins through the urine. In addition, it keeps the bladder healthy avoiding urine infections, cystitis or nephritis.
- It is very low in calories, so it does not provide any cholesterol.
- The peel or skin of the vegetable provides fiber and helps digest and expel food better.
- Thanks to vitamin C it contains beneficial antioxidants. Prevents premature skin aging.
- The vitamins of B Group prevent different types of diseases.
- Its high potassium content helps regulate cell function. Lowers blood pressure and keeps cardiovascular disease at bay.
- It is useful for treating prostate health. It reduces the risk of hypertrophy, enlargement and deformity of the urinary ducts.
- Prevents degenerative diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma or different rheumatisms.
- The magnesium in zucchini is perfect for keeping potential heart attacks at bay.
- Manganese helps proteins and carbohydrates to assimilate properly. Also, it helps create sex hormones. It metabolizes fatty acids and cholesterol.
How to consume zucchini
Zucchini has many varieties in itself, is can be consumed in many ways. It is a vegetable that offers many advantages in the kitchen.
Their shape is round and oval, depending on the variety they are usually elongated. It is generally green on the outside and yellowish-white on the inside. Its size is similar to a cucumber or a small pumpkin.
They can be cooked to oven, steamed, boiled, grilled, battered and fried, make creams or purees, even cakes. It combines very well with meat, fish, to make tortillas and a long etcetera.
It is an ideal food to consume both if you want to take care of your figure and if you want to benefit from its great properties.