Zucchini, also called courgette, is a popular summertime food, even though it is used year-round in a number of recipes. Zucchini noodles are a keto-friendly, low-carb alternative to starchy pastas, but this versatile summer squash can be used in many unique ways.
It is a member of the gourd (Cucurbitaceae) family and part of the Cucurbita genus, which includes cultivated species of the family. The Cucurbita pepo species includes winter squash and pumpkin in addition to summer squash like zucchini. These fruits have been domesticated and cultivated for centuries.
Did you just see that the zucchini is a fruit? It’s alarming, I know. Although it looks like a vegetable and people call it a vegetable, it’s actually botanically classified as a fruit. And that might not be where the surprises stop. There are several ways that zucchini benefits health.
Zucchini Nutrition Facts
Zucchini is nutrient-dense and features numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. One cup (180 g) of cooked, unsalted zucchini offers:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 28.8 | 1% |
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 7.1 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 2.5 g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 2011 IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 8.3 g | 14% |
| Vitamin K | 7.5 mcg | 9% |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 455 mg | 13% |
| Magnesium | 39.6 mg | 10% |
| Copper | 0.2 mg | 8% |
Zucchini also contains phosphorus, thiamine, iron, calcium, zinc, folate, vitamin B6, and a selection of other members of the B complex. As you can see, zucchini contains a variety of nutrients, and you’re getting all of that in just 28 calories.
Apart from the vitamin A value, the numbers might not seem overly impressive, but when you consider the amount of calories it takes to deliver them, they look much better. It’s practically free nutrition!
Zucchini Benefits for Health
May Aid Digestion
Adding more plant-based foods to your diet is almost a sure-fire way to help improve digestion. Zucchini can benefit your system in a couple of ways. First off, it is a high-water fruit, which means it can help soften stool. It is also a decent source of fiber.
Although a cup of cooked zucchini only has about two grams, it is made up of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which help draw water into the gut, as well as create bulk so stool passes easily.
Soluble fiber can aid digestion and nutrient absorption by feeding the “good” bacteria in your gut. This helps limit inflammation in the gut, aids nutrient absorption, and creates a better environment for digestion.
Might Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Zucchini is very low-carb and could be very useful in keeping blood sugar low and managing insulin spikes as well as type 2 diabetes.
Spiraled or sliced zucchini (aka zoodles) is a popular low-carb alternative for spaghetti and other pastas because it can mimic their consistency.
Another benefit it has over traditional noodles and pasta is that it contains more fiber, which can also effectively slow sugar absorption and limit spikes. Adopting a high-fiber diet is recognized as a way to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
May Have Benefits for Your Heart
Zucchini is packed with heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. For starters, a high-fiber diet is very closely associated with heart health. People who eat plenty of fiber routinely display lower blood pressure, less inflammation, and healthy cholesterol levels, which all reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Antioxidants like carotenoids, which are found in zucchini, also have evidence to indicate they promote heart health.
Being a rich source of potassium also boosts the influence of zucchini on heart health. Potassium may help lower stroke and heart attack risk by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow.
May Reduce the Risk of Age-Related Vision Problems
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that can play a big role in eye health. Zucchini contains both of them. Research has shown these two antioxidants accumulate in the retina to improve and maintain vision into advanced age.
Most notably, adequate lutein and zeaxanthin intake may help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of age-related vision impairment and loss. These nutrients may also help reduce the risk of cataracts.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Both the skin and flesh of zucchini is rich in antioxidants that can promote cellular integrity and reduce inflammation. This may help fight against conditions ranging from skin aging to chronic disease. Some of the nutrients and compounds that offer these benefits include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Glutathione peroxidase
- Superoxide dismutase
The skin is a very good source of these nutrients, so leave it intact. The skin is particularly good when grilled, or when the zucchini is sliced and used as a topping or in ratatouille.
Zucchini Uses
One of zucchini’s biggest benefits is its versatility. It can be included in your diet in countless ways year-round, to help increase fiber intake and incorporate more plant-based foods into any diet.
You can use zucchini:
- In keto-friendly pasta/noodle substitutions (sliced or spiraled)
- Added raw to salads or cut up and used to dip in hummus, etc.
- In vegetable stews like ratatouille
- Stuffed and baked
- Added to stir-fry
- Grilled as a side dish
- Fried
- Baked into cakes and other desserts
Zucchini Recipes
1. Zucchini Keto Enchiladas
Time: 40 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
Coarse sea salt
3 cups shredded roasted chicken
1 1/3 cups red enchilada sauce, divided
4 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise in half
1 cup shredded Monterey jack
1 cup shredded cheddar
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro
Directions:
- Set oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring until soft, for about five minutes.
- Pour in garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Add salt to taste. Cook for one minute, then add chicken and one cup of enchilada sauce and stir until coated.
- Using a Y-shaped vegetable peeler, shave the zucchini into thin slices. Place three slices next to each other, slightly overlapping, and top with a spoonful of chicken mixture. Roll up and transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining zucchini and chicken mixture.
- Pour the leftover cup of enchilada sauce over the zucchini enchiladas and top with cheddar and Monterrey jack cheeses.
- Bake for 20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the enchiladas warm throughout.
- Top with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.
2. Parmesan Baked Zucchini Chips
Time: 20 Minutes Serves: 2-4
Ingredients:
2 zucchini (medium-sized)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Black pepper, freshly ground
Garlic salt, optional
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 F. (Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.)
- Cut the zucchini into 1/4-inch coins. Lay out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with little space in between. Lightly season with black pepper and garlic salt to taste. Using a teaspoon, spread a thin layer of parmesan cheese on each slice.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. (The cheese should appear golden brown.)
3. Oatmeal Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Time: 45 minutes Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups pastry flour (all-purpose)
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 large organic, free-range egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 2/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup quick oats
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
- Set oven to 350 F. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk together for 20 seconds. Set aside.
- Combine the butter, brown sugar, and coconut sugar in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, and whip. When creamy, mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add the shredded zucchini and set mixture to low speed, while slowly adding flour. Mix in chocolate chips, oats, and pecans.
- Use two tablespoons each to shape dough into balls. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space the cookies two inches apart.
- Bake for 11 to 14 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring to a wire rack to completely cool.
Sources:
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