You might think that a zucchini is related to the cucumber because they are so similar in appearance and taste, but it actually falls under the squash umbrella! Zucchini, also referred to as courgette in some parts of the world, is considered a summer squash which basically means it’s harvested before their rinds harden like a pumpkin or butternut squash. It was originally grown in South America and used for its seeds because back then when it grew in the wild, it wasn’t as fleshy as it is now and tasted very bitter, says Dr. Axe.
One of the best things about zucchini is that it’s so versatile. You can eat it on it’s own, bake it into chips, slice it up and add it to stir-fry, cook into a lasagna, or even spiral it into noodles! No matter which way you slice it, one thing remains the same — it’s incredibly healthy! There are so amazing health benefits that come from eating zucchini. Everything from weight loss to protecting against cancer. Here’s a look at the 12 most incredible health benefits of zucchini…
1. Aid in Weight Loss
One of the reasons zucchini is so good for weight loss is because it’s low-starch and super low in calories. According to Health.com, 1-cup of sliced zucchini is only 19-calories! That’s about half the calories in the same serving size as other vegetables like broccoli or Brussel sprouts. Not only is it low in calories, but it’s also high in fiber and water content which makes it good at keeping us feeling full for longer periods of time. Fiber helps us feel full which means we’re less prone to snacking or eating more through out the day. In the long run this will help achieve weight loss.
Zucchini is considered to be a low glycemic food. “Increased intake of fruits and vegetables and low-fat foods has been linked to healthy weight loss and weight maintenance,” writes StyleCraze. The same source also points out that high-fiber foods tend to require more chewing which also deters us from eating more because we have to take our time to eat.
