Zucchini: health benefits and harms

Zucchini is a vegetable from the Pumpkin family. The product came to us from Mexico back in the 16th century. Initially, the culture was grown as an ornamental plant. Only in the XVII century, Italian culinary specialists began to use the delicacy for making dishes. After that, all of Europe began to use zucchini as food. At first, only seeds of the culture were used for culinary purposes, but some time later dishes were also prepared from the fruits and flowers of the plant.

It is worth noting that the cooking processes of such a zucchini are very simple and do not take much time. They can be fried, stewed, cooked in a double boiler. They are also used in raw, unprocessed form as an ingredient for a fresh salad. The product has a large list of positive properties.

What is zucchini and how do they look

Zucchini is one of the varieties of zucchini. It has a cylindrical shape and green skin, and the shades of the upper part of the product can be both light and dark. In European regions, more than a dozen varieties of this crop are grown. Some varieties are distinguished by a rich yellow color and more circular shapes.

This vegetable is a thermophilic plant that does not grow much. This allows you to grow them directly on the balcony.

It should also be noted that zucchini fruits ripen very quickly. You can collect this kind of zucchini already for 3–7 days after the appearance of the ovary. You can eat with the peel, but this only applies to young fruits. Large zucchini usually removes the skin. The optimal size is considered to be specimens of 15 cm. They are stored at room temperature for a year.

What is the difference between zucchini and zucchini

Together with the usual zucchini on the shelves, you can also find zucchini. Both of these cultures are representatives of the same family; they belong only to different varieties. Nevertheless, there are certain differences between them. First of all, we are talking about the coloring of the skin. So, zucchini has a peel of light green color, and zucchini can be saturated green or yellow.

The sizes of vegetables are also different. Zucchini is presented in the form of a small fruit, which is 13-15 cm long, while zucchini are characterized by long, large fruits.

There are differences in taste. Since zucchini is endowed with a small size, its flesh is more juicy and nutritious, which allows it to be used in the preparation of fresh salads. Zucchini is best stewed with other plant products, especially if they are already fully ripe.

Zucchini has a rather soft and original-tasting peel, has a high content of ascorbic acid. If we are talking about zucchini, it is better to peel them, since it is not endowed with special taste qualities, and it has no nutritional value.

Zucchini contains a large number of seeds, which are usually removed. Zucchini has very small seeds, which are practically not felt during consumption.

If we talk about the growing process, zucchini ripens much faster, but needs warmth and enough sunlight. Zucchini is more unpretentious. Temperature differences are not afraid of him, and fruiting continues throughout the year, if the appropriate conditions are met.

Composition and calorie content

Italian zucchini is characterized by the presence of a large vitamin and mineral complex, which has a positive effect on the human body.

1. So, the fiber content in the delicacy is useful in that it restores digestion and acts as a prophylaxis of constipation and other ailments associated with the digestive system.
2. Organic compounds in the composition of the fetus can cleanse the body of toxic substances, toxins, as well as improve the general condition of a person.
3. Folic acid in the composition of the plant is indispensable during the gestation and during breastfeeding. This substance protects the fetus, ensures its healthy formation and prevents the occurrence of anemia.
4. Vitamin C reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer, relieves symptoms of arthritis, and strengthens the immune system.
5. Compounds such as lutein and zeaxanthin are found in zucchini. These components are strong phytonutrients that positively affect the organs of vision, therefore, the culture can be used to prevent ophthalmic diseases.
6. Such a vegetable has a rich mineral composition, necessary to enhance the health of the body and its recovery. So, from minerals, P, Se, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, Zn were found here.
7. In addition, zucchini has vitamins such as pantothenic and nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, retinol, tocopherol.

It should also be noted that almost 95 percent of the fetus is water. The calorie content of this delicacy is not more than 25 kcal per 100 g.

Useful properties of zucchini

General benefit

The high concentration of various vitamin compounds and mineral components makes the vegetable very useful for those people who have pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Pectin, manganese and ascorbic acid are concentrated in this product. These compounds contribute to the normalization of peripheral circulation. The introduction of such a dish on the menu allows you to fight high blood pressure, and also provides a decrease in the indicator of bad cholesterol in the body.

Since zucchini is considered a source of potassium, phosphorus and a number of acids of organic origin, it ensures the removal of uric acid salts from the body. As you know, their high level contributes to the appearance of edema in the joints. For this reason, such a product should be consumed for prevention, as well as for the treatment of gouty arthritis and other joint diseases.

It should also be noted that in zucchini there are easily digestible carbohydrates that do not irritate the gastric mucosa, restore intestinal motility and have a beneficial effect on digestion processes in general. Moreover, it is known that such a fetus has an antiallergic effect. This allows you to use the product in children’s, as well as in the diet.

Another valuable quality of the Italian zucchini is that it is able to quickly saturate the human body. It should also be added that the culture is low in calories. It follows that it is ideal for people who are obese or just watch their weight to always keep fit.

The fruits of this plant are endowed with biologically active elements, such as phytonutrients. These compounds produce cells for a healthy retina, resulting in good vision. In addition, the concentration of carotene in them is much higher compared to carrots. Therefore, the use of such a useful product for maintaining vision and preventing age-related modifications of the eye cannot be overestimated.

The presence of manganese in this vegetable provides the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. In addition, this mineral is necessary for the speedy healing of wounds, tissue regeneration and bone strengthening. Thus, dishes based on this plant will be useful to people who are on post-traumatic treatment.

The composition of the fruits of this plant contains special enzymes that are necessary for people with liver diseases. Also, food based on such a component should be consumed by those who need to cleanse the body, as they provide the removal of toxins and toxic substances.

It is also known that zucchini contains many antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals. In addition, this vegetable is characterized by a strong anti-inflammatory property. Such qualities of zucchini make it valuable in the prevention of cancer.

To the above properties, you can add more diuretic and choleretic. This advantage can be useful in the treatment of urolithiasis.

At a time of increased likelihood of contracting various viral and infectious diseases, it is useful to consume Italian zucchini. Such a vegetable, thanks to its rich composition, helps protect against such ailments.

For women

For representatives of the weak half of humanity, an Italian vegetable is useful in that it is able to normalize the emotional background in the climacteric period. In addition, this product provides an increase in hemoglobin in the blood.

Zucchini is also appreciated by the fact that it is a dietary product that can reduce weight. On its basis, you can cook various dishes that do not harm the figure.

Such a delicacy is also useful for the reproductive system of girls. This is due to the fact that substances are concentrated in it that restore the activity of the ovaries, which, in turn, prevents the failure of cycles and reduces pain during menstruation. The herbal component eliminates inflammatory diseases in the pelvic area.

The healing properties of zucchini are also manifested in cases where a woman suffers from varicose veins. At the same time, such a vegetable is able to increase the elasticity and strength of blood vessels and capillaries.

The widespread use of goodies in the field of cosmetology is also known. It allows you to restore health and strength to hair. It can also be used to create face masks with a rejuvenating effect.

For men

Scientific tests in the field of cancer confirmed that various valuable components in the Italian culture can reduce the symptoms of prostate adenoma.

Since the main gland of the male body is located near the bladder, when it increases, the man has unpleasant symptoms during urination, as well as during coition. If you consume zucchini at the same time as crops and beans, this will have a beneficial effect on the function of the prostate.

During pregnancy

High levels of folic acid have a positive effect on the reproductive system. While waiting for the baby, this vitamin significantly reduces the likelihood of developing problems with NS in the child. For this reason, experts advise introducing zucchini into the diet of pregnant women, as well as girls who plan to become pregnant.

When breastfeeding

During breastfeeding, the vegetable is also a useful product due to its anti-allergic properties.

In some cases, zucchini is able to provoke colic in a child, therefore, to include such a treat in the menu of a young mother no earlier than 3 months after the baby is born. If we are talking about heat-treated zucchini, in small quantities it can be eaten immediately after birth.

For kids

In the pediatric area, such a delicacy can be used to eliminate colic, bloating, and also to stabilize the stool. Saturated with chemical elements, the composition of the vegetable ensures the normal formation of the skeleton, improves sleep and improves mood. When eating such zucchini in food, resistance to viral diseases increases. As practice shows, children who regularly use zucchini are much less likely to get sick.

Starting from six months, a child can be offered such a product in fresh form, having previously grated it, as well as in a heat-treated state.Dishes based on such a culture will be useful both for the immune system and for the baby’s digestive tract.

When losing weight

Sodium has been found in zucchini, which helps to establish water balance in the human body. This ensures the removal of excess fluid.

The beneficial effect of the product on the digestive tract is also noted. It should be noted that zucchini is in the top ten most effective dishes that are used to reduce weight.

Due to the low calorie content and high water level, as well as the lack of fats, the Italian fetus will protect against overeating at the same time as it will bring great benefits to the body. Especially useful in this case is to cook zucchini steamed.

To cope with excess weight, you need to use such a zucchini every day. At the same time, it can be included in salads, used to obtain mashed potatoes, vegetable stew, etc.

Application in cosmetology

The benefit of such a plant component is not limited to its use as a food product.

Based on the flowers of such a culture, preparations are made for the treatment of an allergic reaction. Seeds can also be used to obtain cosmetics designed to regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands. There are also many options for creating face masks and curls. A high concentration of retinol, tocopherol and antioxidants allows you to get masks that are effective in combating wrinkles and gray strands.

Such plant materials have a moisturizing property, so it can be used for making face masks, as well as for hair. The flesh of the vegetable can improve skin color, have a rejuvenating effect, normalize microcirculation, and also protect the dermis from ultraviolet rays.

You can use the simplest and most popular recipe for making a mask. To do this, just grind the zucchini and gently squeeze the juice. Apply the resulting slurry to cleansed skin. After that, cover the mask with gauze, wait half an hour and wash with cool water.

Zucchini juice can be used to eliminate bags and swelling under the eyes. In this case, a freshly squeezed composition is used to rub the skin around the eyes.

If gray hair appears, it is recommended to use a hair mask from the juice of Italian zucchini. Such a composition should be rubbed into the scalp, and then rinsed with warm water. This procedure allows you to strengthen the hair follicle, give them a healthy look.

Harm and contraindications

Even such a useful product as zucchini can harm the body if used incorrectly. Along with many positive features, there are some negative aspects.

First of all, it should be noted that oxalates that can develop urolithiasis can be present in zucchini. With moderate consumption of such a product by healthy people, there is no risk, but if there is a tendency to such pathologies, it is important to be careful.

Zucchini should also not be used for people suffering from kidney failure and impaired gallbladder activity. This is due to the fact that when consuming zucchini, a large load occurs on these organs.

In raw form, zucchini should not be eaten with ulcers and gastritis, since it has an irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the organ.

Zucchini, which was grown using various chemicals, can also be dangerous. You can reduce their content by soaking the chopped vegetable for several hours. In this case, the water should be salted. After two hours, the slices of the vegetable should be washed and lightly dried.

How to choose and store

In order for zucchini consumption to benefit human health, you need to know what to look for when choosing such a product.

To begin with, you should know that you need to acquire such fruits in the period from late spring to late July. Since it is during this period that the culture bears fruit, and the vegetables themselves are saturated with a large amount of vitamins and minerals. It is not recommended to buy a plant earlier or later than the specified date, because after ripening zucchini begins to lose valuable components after 10 hours. For the same reason, you can not store this kind of vegetable for a long time.

You must also consider the size of zucchini. The length should be average, that is 13-15 cm. Too large values ​​indicate that the fruits are overripe, and it is not recommended to use them in food, moreover, there are a lot of seeds in them.

The peel should be smooth, without damage.

Zucchini can be stored at a temperature of 0 to 5 degrees. In the refrigerator, the product stays fresh for two weeks.

Is it possible to freeze

If you want to extend the shelf life of zucchini, then it can be sent to the freezer. Before that, you just need to chop the vegetable and pack it in a plastic bag. In the freezer, the plant can be stored for three months.

Can I eat raw zucchini

When fried, the vegetable has a pleasant taste, however, due to the high heat treatment, part of the nutrients is lost, in addition, a lot of fat is absorbed.

If you eat a young vegetable marrow in its raw form, nothing bad will happen. Moreover, the body will be saturated with valuable components that enriched the plant. Untreated zucchini has a low glycemic index, which allows you to use it even with diabetes.

There are many recipes that use raw zucchini. The delicate and tasty pulp of the fruit allows it to be consumed raw without prior thermal exposure. In a dish, such an ingredient will crunch. Such a zucchini absorbs salt well, while releasing a large amount of juice. For this reason, it is recommended to first salt the zucchini in a separate bowl, drain the released liquid and only then include it in the salad.

Do I need to peel

When making dishes based on zucchini, peeling is not necessary. The vegetable has a fairly thin and soft skin, which does not change the taste of the salad.

It is not recommended to peel for another reason. A number of studies have shown that in this part of the culture a high concentration of ascorbic acid is concentrated, which provides an increase in the protective functions of the body. If the vegetable was processed with various chemicals, the skin must be removed

How to make zucchini tasty: recipes

Young zucchini are better absorbed by the body and have a pleasant taste. Such a product can be consumed both raw or processed, that is, fry, bake in the oven, steam, pickle, etc.

Fresh vegetable can be used for salads, side dishes for meat and fish dishes. Moreover, such a product acts as the basis for the preparation of desserts such as pancakes, pancakes, pies and muffins. Also, preparations for the winter are prepared from this vegetable, namely conservation with the addition of garlic, tomato, carrots and herbs.

In the oven

To make zucchini in the oven, you need 0.5 kg of vegetable, 200 g of parmesan, 2 onions, 5 tomatoes, 2 bell peppers, 2 carrots, salt, a bunch of greens, black pepper and 2 tbsp. olive oil.

First you need to wash the zucchini and tomatoes, cut them into rings with a thickness of 5 mm. Grind sweet peppers with cubes. Dice onions and carrots and fry in oil until golden.

After that, grease the baking sheet with butter and put the zucchini in it, salt and pepper. Put tomatoes on the next layer, salt and pepper, then - fry onions and carrots. After that pour out bell pepper. Sprinkle the mass with olive oil.Send the billet to the oven, preheated at 220 degrees, for 20 minutes. At this time, grate the cheese and after 10 minutes sprinkle a dish on it, and then send the pan back to the oven. Before serving, decorate the dish with herbs.

In the pan

It will take 500 g of Italian zucchini, 6 tbsp. flour, a pinch of salt and black pepper, spices to taste and cooking oil for frying.

If the fruit is young, cut it into circles, about 1 cm thick. If the vegetable is large, make an additional longitudinal section. Pour the flour into a small plate, and pour a little oil into the pan and heat it.

After that, add salt, pepper, sprinkle slices of zucchini, sprinkle with spices and roll in flour. Now put them in a pan. Fry zucchini over medium heat until a blush appears. Put the fried vegetables with a spatula on a plate, you can serve them with sour cream and herbs.

Grilled

In this case, it is necessary to wash and cut the zucchini in circles, 5-6 mm thick. After that, carefully mix the olive oil, squeezed lemon, chopped garlic, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Add zucchini to this mixture and mix well so that they are all processed with dressing. After that, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave to marinate for a couple of hours. After this time, heat up the grill pan. Using forceps, place zucchini on it. Fry them for several minutes on each side. Sprinkle the finished zucchini with salt and black pepper. Serve with chopped parsley. You can sprinkle the dish with lemon juice.

Fritters

For the preparation of fritters, you need 2 medium zucchini, several chicken eggs, about 80 g of flour, several cloves of garlic, herbs to taste, salt and black pepper. You will also need olive oil for frying.

The cooking process begins with grating zucchini. Beat eggs with a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Also add flour here and mix the mass until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. Next, add chopped garlic, herbs and spices. After that put the zucchini into the mixture, squeezing out the excess juice slightly. If such a workpiece is very liquid, add a little more flour.

Now fry the pancakes in a preheated pan until cooked. Serve best with sour cream.

Soup

To prepare the soup, you must prepare the following ingredients: 1 liter of meat broth or water, 2 small zucchini, 2 potatoes, 1 onion, several cloves of garlic, vegetable oil, fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste.

First you need to do the cooking of vegetable broth. To do this, first wash the carrots, peel them and divide into 2 parts. After that, the same thing should be done with onions. Next, wash the greens and separate the stem and leaves. In this case, use the stem for cooking the broth, and include the foliage in the finished dish. Then pour water into the pan, put vegetables in it and bring to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes. A few minutes before being ready to salt a lot.

Strain the finished broth using a colander. Throw away the remaining vegetables, since they have already given away their taste and nutrients to the liquid in which they cooked.

Now you can do the zucchini. They need to be washed and cut into rings. Separate 1/4 from the resulting mass and set aside, this part will be used for frying before serving. Then peel and chop the onion in half rings, chop the garlic, and cut the potatoes into cubes.

After that, heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan. Add onion with garlic and fry for several minutes. The rest of the zucchini is also sent to the pan. Mix the mass and fry for 5 minutes with periodic stirring. Then add potatoes, and then continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Now pour 1 liter of hot broth into the pan and cook the dish over low heat for another quarter hour.Then grind the vegetables with a blender until mashed.

Salt the shelved zucchini and fry in oil until soft on both sides. Pour the finished soup into plates, put in each of them a few circles of fried zucchini. Garnish the dish with herbs.

How to pickle

To prepare pickled zucchini, you need 0.5 kg of this vegetable, 5 g of sugar and the same amount of salt, 10 ml of table vinegar, 50 ml of refined vegetable oil, a couple of cloves of garlic, a bunch of fresh dill, black pepper to taste.

First you need to wash the zucchini. If the peel will not be removed, this should be done especially carefully. After that, dry the vegetables with a paper towel. Now chop the fruit using a special shredder or device for cleaning vegetables.

Next, salt and leave the zucchini for a while. After 15–20 minutes, squeeze the juice from the product and transfer to the marinade container. Add chopped garlic and dill to this. In a separate bowl, mix sugar with pepper, vinegar and oil until a homogeneous mixture is formed. Use the resulting marinade for processing zucchini. After mixing, send the workpiece to the refrigerator. Serve pickled vegetables after 30 minutes. Such a dish is combined with potatoes. It tastes like pickled cucumbers, but in this case, the workpiece is more tender with a sweetish flavor.

Interesting facts about zucchini

1. Zucchini got its name from the Italian word "zucchini", which comes from the word "zucca", which means pumpkin. That is, it turns out that zucchini is a small pumpkin. In fact, usually zucchini is much smaller in size than a pumpkin, but once it was possible to grow a fruit that weighed more than six tens of kilograms.
2. It is noteworthy that the Russian word "zucchini" was also borrowed from the Ukrainian "zucchini", which translates as pumpkin.
3. Italian zucchini used to be called a vegetable, but it should be noted that they are born from a flower, and this suggests that it is a fruit.
4. Particular attention is required to the flowers of this plant. They, like the flowers of all varieties of squash and pumpkin, are edible and a real delicacy. There are many recipes for preparing various dishes based on them.
5. It should also be noted that one zucchini contains much more potassium than a banana. This substance is very beneficial for the body. As you know, this mineral compound is able to partially neutralize the effect of salt on the human body. It follows from this that potassium prevents the development of hypertension.
6. In Azerbaijan, a decoction based on inflorescences of pumpkin representatives treat purulent wounds.

Zucchini Photo