Cucurbita pepo, also known as Cucurbitaceae, is a kind of Cucurbita pepo, as well as Cucurbita pepo, spaghetti pumpkin and cucumber. Although zucchini is usually considered as a vegetable, it is classified as a fruit in botany. It has several varieties, ranging in color from dark yellow to dark green. Zucchini has been used in folk medicine to treat colds, pains and various health conditions. However, not all its uses are supported by science.

1. is rich in various nutrients.

Zucchini is rich in vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds. It also contains a small amount of iron, calcium, zinc and several other B vitamins. Especially its abundant vitamin a? The content may support your vision and immune system.

Raw zucchini provides similar nutrients as cooked zucchini, but vitamin A is less and vitamin C is more, a kind of nutrition, which is often reduced by cooking. Zucchini contains many vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds. The vitamin A content of cooked zucchini is particularly high, although the content of raw zucchini is slightly lower.

2. Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants? Is a beneficial plant compound, which can help protect your body from free radicals. These may be good for your eyes, skin and heart, and provide some protection against certain types of cancer.

Studies have shown that the antioxidant content in plant skin is the highest. The content of yellow zucchini may be slightly higher than that of light green zucchini. Zucchini has a variety of antioxidants, which can provide various health benefits. The content of fruit skin is the highest.

3. Promote healthy digestion

Can zucchini promote healthy digestion? In several ways. First of all, it is rich in water and can soften feces. This makes them easier to pass through and reduces the possibility of constipation. Zucchini also contains soluble and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fiber will increase the volume of feces and help food pass through the intestine more easily, further reducing the risk of constipation. If you have enough water in your diet, the benefits will be more complicated.

At the same time, soluble fiber can feed beneficial bacteria in the intestine. In turn, these friendly bacteria will produce short-chain fatty acids? (SCFA) Nourishes your intestinal cells. Zucchini is rich in water and fiber, which can promote healthy digestion by reducing the risk of constipation and the symptoms of various intestinal diseases.

4. It may lower blood sugar level.

Zucchini may help to lower the blood sugar level of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Each cup of cooked carbohydrates contains 3 grams of carbohydrates (232 grams). Zucchini can replace pasta and is an excellent low-carbohydrate substitute for those who want to reduce carbohydrate intake. It can be spiral or sliced to replace spaghetti, spaghetti or lasagna in dishes.

Low-carbohydrate diet can significantly reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which can keep blood sugar level stable and reduce the drug demand of patients with type 2 diabetes. The fiber in zucchini may also help to improve insulin sensitivity, which also helps to stabilize blood sugar. In addition, animal studies have pointed out that the extract of zucchini peel may help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. This may be due to effective antioxidants in the skin.

However, human research is needed before a strong conclusion can be drawn. Zucchini fiber may increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar level, which may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

5. May improve heart health

Zucchini may also contribute to heart health. Its high fiber content may be largely responsible. Observational studies show that people who eat more fiber have a lower risk of heart disease. Zucchini is also rich in potassium, which may help reduce high blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Increased blood pressure is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.