A Smashing Squash!
“Zucchini is a good source of vitamin A,C and vitamin B complex and also minerals like iron, manganese, copper and zinc”
A summer squash that ¡s reaped when its outer skin is soft and edible, a green or golden coloured fruit, zucchini is generally eaten as a vegetable. And though this vegetable has its ancestry in America, the squash varieties were developed in Italy. Zucca in Italian translates as squash or pumpkin. Zucchini is also known by diverse names in different countries – zucchini in North America, Australia and Germany and courgette in France, UK. South Africa, New Zealand and Netherlands.
Zucchini offers only l7Kcals per l00 grams and contains a decent amount of folate. beta carotene and potassium. Folate helps in digestion, proper synthesis of DNA and prevents neural tube defects in a foetus. Potassium helps in lowering blood pressure. Low in calories, zuccNni also does not contain saturated tat or cholesterol. This vegetable-fruit has good ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value and is considered as one of the best vegetables by dieticians for weight management and cholesterol control.
Healthful Qualities
The fibrous peel of the vegetable helps with the feeling of being full and satiated, thereby helping in weight reduction. Zucchini also prevents constipation and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
The golden varieties of zucchini are rich in the carotenoids, xanthin and lutein that have antioxidant properties that defend the body against free radicals and play a role in the anti-ageing process. Zucchini is also fairly a good source of vitamin A. C and vitamin B complex and also minerals like iron. manganese, copper and zinc. All of these vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of our body and vital organs.
Choosing The Best Zucchini
Zucchini can be found all year round, but the vegetable is at its best by the end of spring and during the summer season. While buying zucchinis, one should select the ones that are shinny and bright green. The best size is between six to eight inches and two inches or less in diameter. Avoid overly grown zucchinis that have pitted skin or a flabby texture. Also, organically grown products are best in nutrient value and flavour.