Can children eat raw zucchini? Healthy zucchini dishes

Most people like to eat a vegetable that is well known to us - zucchini. Zucchini – annual plant pumpkin family. Oblong-shaped vegetables come in yellow, white and green. America is the birthplace of zucchini. It is known that at first they ate only zucchini seeds. Nowadays it is fried, stuffed, canned; caviar is made from it. Many people have no idea about the considerable benefits of this vegetable; they do not know that they help to recover from a number of diseases.

Benefits of raw zucchini

There is nothing weird about eating a raw cucumber. But raw zucchini, as a rule, does not make you want to eat it uncooked. However, this can be done, because zucchini is a relative of the cucumber. The amount of fiber present in the vegetable has a beneficial effect on the condition of the intestines and strengthens peristalsis. The same fiber helps remove waste from the folds of the colon.

In order to thoroughly cleanse the intestines, you need to eat at least 200 g of raw vegetables daily on an empty stomach for a week. A piece of zucchini is grated, added a little salt, and seasoned with a small (half a teaspoon) amount of oil.

Eating this salad will cleanse the intestines and cure constipation and... A feeling of lightness will appear in your stomach.

Is boiled zucchini healthy?

Boiled zucchini improves intestinal motility, but not like raw zucchini, of course. Fiber relieves the body of bad cholesterol And toxic substances. Boiled vegetables have good diuretic properties, especially if this effect is not used for cooking.

Boiled or stewed zucchini is dietary. They are recommended for consumption by those who want to lose weight. Energy value– maximum 32 Kcal/100 g. Thus, zucchini prepared using the above methods can be eaten in almost any quantity. These characteristics do not apply to fried zucchini. During frying, vegetables absorb a lot of oil and contain much more calories.

With the use of boiled zucchini it decreases blood pressure, the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system improves.

Benefits of juice

Zucchini juice is incredibly beneficial for the human body. Consuming it significantly improves your health and will even help you recover from some diseases.

The juice is drunk freshly squeezed, saved healing qualities. It is especially useful for those who suffer:

inflammation of the duodenal mucosa;
constant constipation;
swelling;
diabetes mellitus;
obesity;
cholelithiasis;
nephritis;
from kidney stones.

Consuming raw zucchini improves immunity. It is undesirable to eat zucchini for those who have impaired potassium metabolism. In people with gastritis or ulcers, zucchini may cause stomach irritation.

The benefits of zucchini seeds

Traditional healers love to give zucchini seeds to those who turn to them for help. After all, they can help in the treatment of a wide range of diseases, and quite serious ones. Zucchini seeds– a real natural pharmacy.

They eat raw seeds to get rid of worms. You need to consume 50 g of seeds daily. Or a decoction is made from them.

Those suffering from diabetes are recommended to drink “zucchini milk”. To prepare this remedy, grind two tablespoons of dry zucchini seeds. Add half a teaspoon of flower propolis and half a glass to the resulting powder boiled water. The composition is stirred until it turns greenish. One half of the serving is drunk on an empty stomach before breakfast, the other half before lunch. The product should be consumed daily for several months. New day - new portion. Thus, the required dose of insulin will become less over time.

To calm the nervous system, drink a tincture of seeds mixed with mint, cinnamon and propolis. This composition relieves irritability, removes fears and depression. To prepare such a medicine, 150 g of seeds are required. They are crushed, then 0.5 liters of vodka and a handful of mint leaves are added to the resulting powder. The composition should be infused for three weeks. Shakes daily. After aging for the specified period, 3-4 tablespoons of propolis are added, and the composition is infused for another week. You should drink one spoon in the morning and evening.

It is very large for the human body. This dietary product, which contains many vitamins and components that have a beneficial effect on health. A variety of dishes are prepared from this vegetable, but few people know that it can be consumed without resorting to heat treatment. The beneficial properties of raw zucchini are difficult to overestimate. You can also cook from them delicious dishes, just find recipes online, read what they go with, or watch a video on this topic.

What's in zucchini?

A whopping 95% of raw zucchini consists of water. The vegetable contains many vitamins, such as A, B, C, H and PP. In addition, the composition includes:

saccharides and carbohydrates;
ash;
as well as fats and proteins;
unsaturated fatty and organic acids;
fiber;
dietary fiber.

Zucchini contains vitamins and microelements

Zucchini is rich in potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. These elements play an important role for the human body. The vegetable also contains pectins, which are effective in removing radionuclides. This low-calorie product (only about 20 kcal per 100 g) is suitable for the diet of those who want to lose weight. overweight. All the components that make up raw zucchini, have a positive effect on the body.

What are the benefits of zucchini?

Zucchini has an antiallergic and antianemic effect on the body. These popular vegetables are good for diabetics as they are low in carbohydrates and fat. The sugar content in them is minimal, and the pectin contained in them keeps glucose in the blood within normal limits. This product is an excellent diuretic, so it is recommended to use it for swelling. It is dietary fiber that removes excess water, as well as salt and toxins.

These vegetables have a beneficial effect on the intestines and stomach, stimulating their work. Zucchini normalizes microflora. They are recommended to be consumed after operations on the stomach or intestines, as the vegetable promotes the healing of the mucous membrane. Zucchini helps to the human body absorb proteins and restore glycogen, which is a source of quick energy. Raw vegetables, due to their high fiber content, cleanse the intestines and help improve metabolic processes. This excellent remedy for constipation. The product has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver, it relieves it perfectly.

Zucchini is especially useful for older people, because regular consumption of the vegetable raw slows down the aging of the body. Zucchini is recommended to be included in the diet to prevent arthritis (reduces extra salt), as well as for diseases of blood vessels, heart and hypertension. Tartronic acid, which is part of the plant, helps strengthen blood vessels.

Zucchini and zucchini

What's raw zucchini?

Despite everything beneficial properties zucchini, some people are contraindicated in both raw and cooked form. It should not be consumed by those who are allergic to vegetables from the pumpkin family and, in particular, to zucchini.

Attention! Children under 5 years old should not eat raw vegetables, as this product may be difficult for their body.

Raw zucchini can cause vomiting, heartburn, and diarrhea in a child. IN in rare cases may arise renal failure. For children, it is better to steam them, since fried zucchini has much less benefits.

In adults, raw vegetables can cause bloating, diarrhea and flatulence. It is strictly not recommended to eat the product on an empty stomach due to its laxative properties. Raw zucchini is not recommended for gastritis and ulcers. In this case, the product is of no benefit, but only irritates the mucous membrane. Those with sensitive tooth enamel should eat raw zucchini with caution, as the acids contained in it can damage it. You can’t eat too much zucchini if you have kidney diseases, if they are associated with problems removing potassium from the body.

Raw zucchini can be added to salads

Contraindications to frequent use There are few of this vegetable (especially in its raw form) and, mainly, they are associated with personal intolerance to the product.

Healthy zucchini dishes

It is unripe zucchini that is useful in its raw form. They contain a lot of potassium, thiamine, riboflavin and other elements. It is better to eat them with the peel, which contains biostimulants. Raw vegetable, mainly added to salads (can be lightly marinated first).

For preventive purposes, the pulp of the healthy vegetable is consumed within 30 minutes. before meals. It's better to start with 1 tablespoon once a day. The dose is gradually increased to 1.5-2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day. You will need to consume the pulp for two months.

For anemia, cardiac and nervous diseases, as well as hypertension, it is recommended to drink zucchini juice, about a glass once a day.

Attention! Ripe and overripe vegetables should be heat treated. Most useful components preserved in steamed zucchini; fried foods are least healthy.

Zucchini is a vegetable plant belonging to the pumpkin family. It contains many beneficial components for the body, so a variety of dishes are prepared from it. You can also eat the vegetable raw. In addition to cooking, it is also used in cosmetology, being the basis for various home remedies.

Zucchini is a favorite vegetable of gardeners and gardeners. And all because it is unpretentious in care and has high productivity. Looks modest and unsightly, oval shape, without bright pronounced taste, yellow-green or striped, but very useful. You can use it to prepare fried, stewed, pickled, stuffed dishes. Are there any benefits to eating raw zucchini? We'll talk about this and much more in our article.

Origin story

Zucchini was first grown in Mexico. At first, only its seeds were eaten, this was 3 thousand years BC. In the 16th century, they learned about it in Europe, thanks to the great traveler Columbus. It came to our region only in the 19th century, but is still incredibly popular.

What's good about zucchini?

He's rich useful vitamins, minerals and other elements, as well as fiber, despite the fact that it consists of almost 93% water. It is well absorbed by the body; it is even being included in the menu of children from six months of age. It does not cause allergies, eliminates colic and bloating, and normalizes children's stool. And the rich fortified composition will help in the formation of the skeleton, and will also increase resistance to viruses.

They begin to grow it in early spring, and the vegetable bears fruit until the end of summer. It is stored for a long time without losing its beneficial properties. It doesn't change either appearance, if you store the vegetable correctly.

Considered a product. You can eat it as much as you like and not worry about being overweight. For example, 100 grams contain only 24 kilocalories. Even developed special diets vegetable based. Let's consider one of them.

Zucchini diet

For it to be effective, you need to follow the diet for at least a week, but once a year. This is what doctors recommend. Use better vegetables dark green(zucchini). At the same time, it is worth excluding pasta, potatoes, bakery products and fat-containing products, as well as alcohol, sweets, smoked meats and sausages from the diet.

Necessary:

observe ;
cook with peel;
consume 1.5 liters of fluid per day (mineral or plain water, vegetable juices, green tea);
eat them raw and only fresh;
Minimal heat treatment should be used in preparation.

Zucchini enriches the body with dietary fiber, and fiber provides satiety, filling the tissues with the necessary components. Moreover, when systematic use zucchini, the amount of food absorbed decreases. Unfortunately, they can also cause harm. Let's talk about the health benefits and harms of zucchini.

What does it consist of?

We have already found out that the vegetable is a dietary product and does not cause allergic reactions. Before we talk about the benefits and harms of raw zucchini, let’s figure out what it contains:

vitamins PP, beta-carotene, A 5, B 3, B 5, B 6, B 9, C 15, B 1, E, H, B 2;
minerals such as calcium, iron, titanium, lithium, magnesium, potassium;
as well as other components - saccharides, carbohydrates, fats, dietary fiber, acids.

Thanks to this composition, considering that this is not the entire list of elements, positive properties it has much more, but there are also contraindications.

Who should give up vegetables?

Avoid dangerous actions It’s not difficult, the main thing is to approach the issue of its consumption wisely, then you can avoid negative consequences.

Zucchini is contraindicated:

People who have ulcers and gastritis with increased level acidity. In this situation, zucchini needs to be cooked in a double boiler. From fried foods You should refuse; you should not eat the vegetable raw, as this may cause an exacerbation of the disease.
For those who have kidney failure. Zucchini is rich in potassium, which is due to of this disease poorly excreted by the body.

As you can see, it has very few contraindications. There are some other points worth knowing.

Excessive use may harm the body. You can eat about one and a half kilograms of it every day, of course, if there are no contraindications. And the norm of zucchini juice is up to one liter per day.
People with stomach problems should avoid fried zucchini.
Be careful when purchasing canned squash caviar. You need to carefully study the label, look at the quality standards and expiration dates of the product.
If after eating it, there are undesirable consequences, consult a doctor.
If you are allergic to the vegetable itself, you should immediately discard it. Symptoms: nausea, skin rash accompanied by itching, inflammation of the mucous membranes, cough with tickling. Swelling may also occur in oral cavity and even anaphylactic shock.

To avoid negative consequences, you need to know this. Now let's talk about the healing features.

What other properties does zucchini have?

They will help:

strengthen the immune system;
establish normal functioning intestines;
stimulate the gastrointestinal tract;
heal the mucous membrane.

The vegetable also has diuretic, choleretic and hypoallergenic property. It is very useful for pregnant women. Especially in the first and third trimester. At the initial stage, it prevents anemia and normalizes blood pressure. A nursing mother is allowed to eat it.

Due to the fact that it is low in calories and contains a small amount of protein, it must be combined with lean meat, fish, potatoes, beans, and eggplants. We learned about the health benefits and harms of zucchini. Next, let's delve into the issue of raw food diet.

Raw zucchini: benefits and harms

Let’s talk right away about who shouldn’t eat them.

For five-year-old children, this food will be heavy. Otherwise, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn and kidney disease may occur. Kids should cook dishes from it in a double boiler or serve it fried.
People with gastritis and stomach ulcers. It irritates the organ mucosa.
Holders with hypersensitivity tooth enamel. The acids in the vegetable will destroy it.
Patients with kidney diseases, in case of problematic potassium excretion.
If observed individual intolerance, allergies.

And one more thing: it should not be eaten on an empty stomach. In this case, zucchini will act as a laxative. The process may be accompanied by bloating, diarrhea and flatulence. When talking about the health benefits and harms of raw zucchini, we must not forget about contraindications. You need to take care of yourself.

What are the benefits of raw zucchini?

Even though it consists almost entirely of water, it still contains many vitamins and microelements, necessary for the body. It is useful to people:

who want to get rid of excess weight;
with liver diseases, since it produces a choleretic effect;
with arthritis, as it removes unnecessary salt from the body without causing harm;
in the elderly and mature age, because it is an excellent remedy for atherosclerosis, antioxidants slow down the aging process;
diabetics, because the vegetable lowers blood sugar levels.

It also perfectly cleanses the intestines. For these purposes, it is recommended to eat up to one and a half kilograms of raw zucchini. Having liver diseases, anemia, heart, nervous ailments, hypertension, it is recommended to drink vegetable juice (200 grams), diluting apple juice 1:1.

Tartronic acid strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and carbohydrates are quickly absorbed and saturate the body, easily digested. It is very useful for anemia because it contains everything essential microelements for hematopoiesis. So, we can conclude that raw zucchini brings both benefits and harm.

How to eat it?

First, we note that it is recommended to eat unripe vegetables, with soft skin and pulp. You should eat it without peeling it, as the peel contains many vitamins. As a rule, salads are made from it; you can marinate the zucchini a little in advance. For prevention purposes, consume a mass of raw zucchini for sixty days. You need to take it once half an hour before meals, starting with a tablespoon, gradually increasing the dose to two spoons, two or three times a day. We have figured out the benefits and harms of raw zucchini for the body, and now let’s dive into this issue in more detail.

Can pregnant women eat raw zucchini?

Of course, yes, if there are no contraindications mentioned above. Do not forget that you should not eat ripe or overripe vegetables.

When preparing a variety of raw zucchini dishes, be creative by adding other vegetables and even fruits. Nutritious food will be if you consume foods containing protein with it. So, we have figured out the benefits and harms of raw zucchini for pregnant women.

By the way, green zucchini is much healthier than white zucchini, since it contains twice as much vitamin C. What are the benefits and harms of raw zucchini for women? Contraindications are common to everyone, let's talk about the advantages.

Advantages

The peel of a young vegetable should not be cut off; it is rich in vitamins and contains more fiber than the pulp.

Zucchini contains carotenoids, which promote the regeneration of skin cells, thereby stopping the aging process. A large amount of the notorious vitamin C helps fight skin aging, participates in the production of collagen, and benefits the entire body.
Refreshing zucchini masks nourish, moisturize the skin, make it firm, elastic, matte, whiten it, and add radiance.
The folic acid it contains improves reproductive function, therefore it is very important for pregnant women and girls during the period of planning conception.
Thanks to the iron contained, oxygen metabolism improves and the body becomes more resilient.
Actively fights cellulite thanks to its diuretic properties.

Now there is no doubt whether raw zucchini is beneficial. Should representatives of the stronger sex eat it? By including it in the diet, a man will avoid prostatitis and cancer prostate gland. He calms down nervous system, improves intestinal function, and as for contraindications, they have already been discussed.

So, we learned about the benefits and harms of raw zucchini for men, women and children. All that remains is to summarize. We talked about its healing and beneficial properties. Zucchini is hypoallergenic and is often eaten for weight loss. You can create many delicious dishes with them, eat them raw, which is very healthy. The main thing is to always get acquainted with contraindications so as not to fall into the risk zone, because our health is the most great value in life. We have figured out the issue of the benefits and harms of raw zucchini, and we must say: everything is good in moderation.

Pumpkins, squash, melons, zucchini are the permanent inhabitants of our garden plots, from which every autumn we prepare marinades and pickles, choosing interesting recipes. But today we will talk about zucchini, representatives of the Pumpkin family, which came to us from Mexico.

Dishes made from it are varied and very tasty, from everyone’s favorite caviar to pancakes. But not everyone will answer the question whether raw zucchini will be beneficial.

Composition of zucchini

Regardless of the variety and shape, the growing zone and the characteristics of a particular area, the composition of zucchini differs little. To begin with, this product is a dietary product with a low calorie content, which is 24 kcal/100g. This is not surprising since 95% of it consists of water, which contains vitamins and minerals. There are proteins and carbohydrates, but their quantity is insignificant. What then is the composition and why should you eat this vegetable?

The benefits of raw zucchini are as follows:

1. Large quantities mineral components: calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium.

2. Significant content of microelements that are needed in small concentrations: titanium, lithium, zinc, molybdenum.

3. Abundance is vital important vitamins: group B, carotene or provitamin A, C, PP.

5. The presence of cellulose, which is not digested, but is important for the gastrointestinal tract.

6. The presence of a small number of simple carbohydrates.

7. Lack of fats and, accordingly, cholesterol.

Note: The potassium content of vegetables is 100 times higher than sodium. Due to this, it is controlled water balance and is excreted from the body excess liquid. In addition, these two elements allow the heart muscle to work without interruption.

What are the benefits of raw zucchini?

It's surprising that a vegetable is so healthy. Let's start with the effect on the gastrointestinal tract:

· low calorie content helps reduce weight,

· choleretic properties support the liver,

· low level sugar makes the product suitable for diabetics,

· digestive tract works better thanks to cellulose, which enhances intestinal motility,

· does not cause stomach irritation, since the content of organic acids is insignificant.

· simple carbohydrates cause quick satiety and are easily digestible.

It turns out that raw zucchini is also good for the skin: it refreshes the color, supports healthy condition, moisturizes and rejuvenates. Because of its moisturizing effect, cosmetologists have introduced it into face masks. Its components are included in sunscreens because they protect skin from UV rays.

Here is a recipe for a mask, simple and accessible to everyone: grate raw zucchini on a fine grater, squeeze and apply to clean skin. It is advisable to take the procedure lying down, covering the mask on top with several layers of gauze. Harmful actions – 30 min. The composition is simple, but it improves tone and moisturizes the skin. The components of the melon vegetable will also help in the fight against “ orange peel“, but this is a separate topic.

Note: Since people lose weight on zucchini, there are special diets: zucchini mono-diet, diet of American astronauts, fasting days. All these options can be used and gradually lost extra pounds.

Proven positive impact vegetables on the cardiovascular system:

Helps in the prevention of atherosclerosis,

· strengthens vascular walls due to tartronic acid,

· participates in the prevention and treatment of anemia, in the processes of hematopoiesis due to high content gland.

Due to the diuretic and choleretic action are excreted from the body toxic substances(cholesterol, radionuclides). The removal of excess salts from the body helps in the fight against arthritis.

Pectins contained in plant cultures have a cleansing effect. Therefore, zucchini should be in the diet of people who work in hazardous industries or live in environmentally polluted regions. So the benefits of raw zucchini are obvious.

Note: Pediatricians recommend introducing zucchini into the diet of young children (in stewed form). Young vegetables contain enzymes that help in the absorption of proteins. Vitamins and minerals are involved in the growth and development of the baby. Zucchini has good digestibility.

Raw zucchini salads

All this is great, but in what form should you eat raw zucchini? It is included in salads, but only young zucchini without seeds should be used. It turns out light, tasty and low calorie dish. We offer you two easy-to-prepare salads to try.

Salad “From the garden” , which is prepared simply and quickly. It does not contain any hard-to-find components; the ingredients are literally plucked from the garden. It includes:

· zucchini – 400g,

· carrots and cucumbers – 200g each,

· onions– 100g,

· sesame or linseed oil– 1 tbsp. l,

· dill and parsley - to taste.

Next comes the cooking process: chop a small zucchini, carrots and cucumbers using a grater. Cut the onion into rings and finely chop the dill and parsley. The ingredients need to be mixed and seasoned with oil. Useful vitamin salad ready to eat.

Korean zucchini salad – unusual and a bit spicy recipe, which includes:

· zucchini – 1 kg,

· carrots and peppers – 1 piece each,

table vinegar and sunflower oil– 1 tbsp. l,

· coriander – 1 tsp. l,

· red ground pepper– 0.5 tsp,

· sugar and salt - to taste.

The salad is prepared simply: cut the zucchini into slices, pepper into strips, and chop the carrots on a grater. Mix the vegetables and set for 20 minutes until the juice appears. We live it out and add the rest of the ingredients according to the recipe. Add oil to the salad and leave it in the refrigerator for a while so that the vegetables are saturated with spices.

You can choose a recipe with zucchini that suits you exclusively.

Raw zucchini: harmful properties for the body

When overeating, any product is harmful, and zucchini is no exception to the rule. Excessive consumption of raw zucchini is harmful to health. How does this manifest itself?

1. For people who are allergic to pumpkin, eating both raw and cooked vegetables is contraindicated.

2. Possible problems with stomach or duodenal ulcers, since the composition contains vitamin C.

3. It is undesirable to include in the diet this product for kidney diseases, as it has a diuretic effect. But here you need medical advice.

4. You should not eat melons on an empty stomach, as the vegetable has a pronounced laxative effect.

5. An unexpected reaction in the form of bloating, flatulence or diarrhea is possible.

6. Raw zucchini is harmful to children under 5 years of age. It causes disturbances in the functioning of the stomach, and heartburn, vomiting, and belching are possible.

In other cases, you can eat zucchini for your pleasure. They rarely cause allergies. So the harm of raw zucchini is minimal.

Note: If you prefer zucchini fried, remember that zucchini absorbs oil. At the same time, its calorie content increases significantly, which should be taken into account by people with gastrointestinal problems and those who are losing weight “on zucchini.”

As soon as summer comes and the flower beds begin to “peek out” from under the huge leaves. fresh vegetable, don't miss the chance to eat delicious salads, become slim and improve your condition. Moreover, this representative of the pumpkin family is famous not only pleasant taste, but also a good harvest.

Today we will talk about the benefits and harms of zucchini. The ordinary zucchini, without which no garden bed today is complete, has a rather exotic origin and an ancient history. Zucchini, pumpkin, and many other plants, outlandish for those times, arrived in Europe in the 16th century from northern Mexico, where they had been cultivated by hardworking Indians for several thousand years.

Indian vegetable squash

In the Indian language the name sounded like “ ascutasquash", which meant "unripe, raw, green." Mexican “vegetable gardens” were very different from ours. The Indians planted corn, beans and squash together, which created a successful community of plants.

The beans, growing, entwined the stalks of corn, the zucchini ripened in the lower tier, preventing weeds from spreading with their leaves, and the nitrogen metabolism in the soil between the green neighbors ensured excellent growth for all of them.

In Europe, zucchini, like potatoes, was first cultivated as a garden plant, and only two centuries later its magnificent gastronomic properties were discovered, for which thanks to the savvy Italian and Provençal chefs and cooks. C Zucchini branches stuffed with carrots, cheese, spices and mushrooms are still a favorite delicacy of the inhabitants of Provence.

Zucchini in Russia

In Russia, zucchini, despite the difference in climate, has successfully taken root; it has been grown for about two centuries. In the southern regions, it bears fruit for several years from each bush; in zones with a temperate climate, it is grown as an annual plant. Zucchini is not very difficult to grow, is resistant to diseases, and produces an early and abundant harvest.

He is one of the first to rush to please us with vitamins. For example, zucchini can be harvested 3-5 days after the ovary appears. However, it should be remembered that this crop is heat-loving, light-loving and does not tolerate even short-term frosts.

By the way winter greenhouse varieties of zucchini are more nutritious than summer ones, contain more carbohydrates and vitamins A and C, but less calcium.

Zucchini has long taken its place as one of the most favorite vegetables on our table. Zucchini is an excellent side dish for meat and fish dishes and a delicate, fluffy base for a variety of casseroles.

Zucchini does not lose its properties during long-term storage, up to six months. Pancakes or zucchini caviar or zucchini stuffed with meat and rice are the most popular dishes in many families and catering establishments.

The delicate neutral taste of zucchini goes well with most vegetables and even fruits - zucchini, cherry plum and sloe, for example, You can make an excellent compote.

The color of the zucchini peel can be yellow, white, dark green, striped, spotted, but biochemical composition This has absolutely no effect on the zucchini itself.

Is zucchini a berry or a vegetable?

Zucchini according to botanical classification - herbaceous plant genus Pumpkin of the Cucurbitaceae family. This is a coenocarpous (consisting of several fused pistils) fruit of the berry type, and according to the type of use, zucchini is a vegetable.

Composition of zucchini

In the twentieth century they were discovered medicinal properties zucchini. It’s not for nothing that the wise Aztecs devoted so many thousands of years to this culture! This vegetable is unique in every sense.

Zucchini contains a lot of vitamins: niacin, biotin, tocopherol, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, carotene, retinol, and mainly ascorbic and folic acid- that is, vitamins of group A, B, C, E, PP, H.

Lack of these important substances in the diet causes in humans anemia, depressed nervous state, problems with skin, nails and hair. In this case, zucchini is an excellent helper: it will refresh you, restore your spirits, and give you strength.

What's healthy about zucchini?

From minerals in zucchini in the first place are potassium (about 240 mg), phosphorus (12 mg), calcium (15 mg). Zucchini also contains other essential elements: iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, sodium, magnesium, titanium, lithium, molybdenum.

And the biggest surprise is that most useful substances found in the zucchini peel, which is why it is recommended not to cut off the peel.

At the same time, zucchini consists of 94% water (about the same as a cucumber), and the remaining 6% is divided between proteins, carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber.

The benefits of zucchini

Surprisingly, it would take a long time to list the beneficial properties of zucchini.

Zucchini gently stimulates peristalsis for constipation , removes waste, toxins and swelling, has a beneficial effect on the heart, cleanses the blood and blood vessels from harmful cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, supports liver functions, has a choleretic effect. In this sense, it is especially useful for older people.

A decoction of zucchini flowers contains lithium and B vitamins. calms the nerves, pacifies the soul, relieves insomnia.

The pulp and ground seeds of zucchini are included in branded cosmetics and are no less successfully used in homemade masks. A powerful antioxidant, retinol protects skin from harsh sun damage and ascorbic acid strengthens collagen fibers.

In addition, zucchini pulp is able to regulate the activity sebaceous glands, which is extremely important for lovely ladies at any age. Using zucchini masks you can perfectly moisturize dry skin and make oily skin matte and velvety.. It is enough to eat one small zucchini baked without salt in the oven (for 10 minutes) a day, and in a week you will surprise your friends with a beautiful complexion.

Zucchini is also excellent as a dietary product: while low in calories, it is incredibly nutritious.

Medicinal properties of zucchini

Zucchini is best foundation diet of patients with diabetes, as well as anyone who wants to lose weight without going hungry at all: Zucchini dietary fiber quickly creates a feeling of fullness in a person, but at the same time extra pounds are not deposited on the sides.

Zucchini is very useful for allergy sufferers due to its content of vitamins C, B1 and B3. And since he retains his useful qualities when preparing for for a long time, then in any season you can rest assured: allergies will bypass you. For the same reason, it is approved as a nutritional component for children and their mothers in the first year of a child’s life.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding whether pregnant and lactating women can include zucchini dishes in their diet. Of course you can. But zucchini, like any other product, should be added to your menu with your child little by little.

According to some reports, zucchini pulp can even promote wound healing, including damage to the mucous membrane. Healing occurs thanks to zinc, which is contained in zucchini.

Zinc disinfects wound surface and accelerates the process of tissue regeneration. That's why Zucchini pulp can be safely used externally for burns, injuries, ulcers, purulent skin rashes, pimples, boils and post-acne. Children need zinc for normal height and development, adults – for preventing the development of tumors.

Useful properties of zucchini

Iron and copper, which are contained in zucchini, necessary for the hematopoietic system to form red blood cells. To get rid of anemia, it is enough to add zucchini to your diet - of course, if there are no contraindications. It's no coincidence The postoperative and recovery diet almost always includes zucchini dishes.

Sulfur and molybdenum in zucchini are involved in the regulation of metabolism uric acid in the human body, thereby maintaining optimal pH.

Magnesium contained in zucchini useful for people with reduced immunity, with a tendency to seizures, and with impaired inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex. People living in regions where tap water soft and contains a lot of calcium, you should definitely add zucchini to your diet to protect yourself from cardiovascular diseases, syndrome chronic fatigue and decreased sexual activity.

Harm of zucchini

Despite the fact that zucchini is extremely friendly to the human body and is capable of healing it from many diseases, it also has contraindications. To a healthy body too much zucchini probably won't do much harm.

But if there is a notorious kidney failure, then it is better to refrain from consuming this vegetable due to the excess potassium in it or consumed in extremely limited quantities. Damaged kidneys cannot fully remove potassium from the body, and its accumulation in the body is life-threatening.

Is it possible to eat raw zucchini?

Besides additional harm zucchini can be seen in the fact that raw zucchini should not be eaten if available gastrointestinal diseases and gastritis, even in remission. Crude fiber, as opposed to processed fiber heat treatment may provide irritant effect on the mucous membrane.

Perhaps these are the only contraindications and harms that zucchini has. But let's be honest, how often have you tried eating raw zucchini?

Therefore, such a wonderful vegetable-berry, healthy, and not at all harmful, zucchini, which we borrowed from the natives of America about five hundred years ago, if consumed wisely, will only bring you health and a cure for most of the ailments that bother you.

Well, if you want to check out some other healthy vegetables or berries I suggest you read, or, or