Zucchini
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) aka: courgettes, are long tube shaped vegetables with a thin outer green or yellow skin and crisp white inner flesh with small edible seeds in the center.
Health benefits of Zucchini
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Zucchini
Look for younger, smaller, and thinner zucchini as they will have a more tender texture and taste. Younger zucchini will also have smaller seeds making them easier to be eaten.
Climate and origin
Zucchini and squash originated in the Americas and are very hardy plants that will grow in cold temperate to subtropical climates. (Zones 3-11 in the U.S.)
Taste
Zucchini has a mildly fragrant taste that is slightly sweet. Raw it has a crisp texture, and cooked it has a mushy texture.
Miscellaneous information
The flowers of zucchini are edible, have a bitter taste, crunchy texture, and are a great way to dress up a plate for a fancy meal.
Similar tasting produce
Summer squash, Eggplant
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 17 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.32g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.08g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 8mg | 0% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 3.1g | 1% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% | ||
| Total Sugars 2.5g | 5% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.2g | 2% | ||
| Vitamin C 17.9mg | 20% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.37mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 16mg | 1% | ||
| Potassium 261mg | 6% | ||
| Phosphorus 38mg | 3% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||