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8. Enhances Digestion
In addition to the many benefits of zucchini you have already seen, the wonder squash also aids digestion. According to a report published by the University of Rhode Island, green fruits and vegetables, like zucchini, promote healthy digestion. You can have zucchini as an after-meal eat – simply shred some carrots and zucchini on a quick bread or muffins and relish the taste (and the benefits too!).
In fact, the late Henry Bieler (a prominent American physician who had batted for the idea of treating disease with foods alone) used to treat digestive issues in his patients with a pureed soup broth made from zucchini. Now, isn’t that a reason good enough to entrust the ‘digestive-healing responsibilities’ to our humble zucchini?
The dietary fiber in zucchini adds bulk to your diet and aids digestion. However, ensure you introduce fiber in your diet gradually. Increasing dietary fiber in your diet too quickly can lead to bloating, abdominal cramps, and even gas.
It has been found that dietary fiber forms the major components of foods that have low energy value, and hence are of particular importance. Especially when it comes to dealing with abdominal issues.
If you are suffering from digestive issues, simply including zucchini in your meal might do the trick. It has been found that the addition of fiber in bread, cookies, breakfast cereals, and even meat products was found to have desirable results.
As we have already seen, zucchini contains both soluble as well as insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber, also known as ‘the regulator’, accelerates the passage of water through the digestive tract. This reduces the time available for harmful substances to come in contact with the intestinal walls.
I would recommend you to go for all-natural sources of fiber, and not just zucchini alone. If you are purchasing fiber-rich foods from the supermarket, there is but one ground rule – a good source of fiber is one that has at least 2.5 grams of fiber per serving. Foods having more than 5 grams of fiber per serving are excellent. But, anything lower than 2.5 grams would just be a waste of money.
9. Lowers Blood Pressure
If you walk down a random street and pick any person you first see, chances are (s)he might be (or is likely to be) suffering from high blood pressure. If you ask us, blood pressure is more of a mind thing. We are so stressed about everything in life that blood pressure issues have become inevitable. Almost.
But with zucchini by our side, there is hope for respite.
Zucchini, being rich in potassium, is one of the most preferred foods to combat hypertension. Surprisingly enough, zucchini has more potassium than a banana.
Potassium is vasoactive, meaning it can affect the diameter of blood vessels. And hence, the blood pressure as well. In a London study, potassium supplementation was linked to lowered blood pressure levels. Though the study talks about certain conflicting results in pertinence to oral potassium supplementation, potassium was never shown to elevate the blood pressure levels. Hence, it can be used without apprehension.
As per another New Orleans study, potassium intake is mandatory to combat hypertension, especially when the individual is unable to reduce his/her sodium intake. In addition to controlling blood pressure, potassium also lowers the heart rate and counters the harmful effects of sodium.
According to the National Academies Press, the adequate intake of potassium for adults is 4.7 grams per day. As per WHO, this dosage of potassium had the greatest impact on blood pressure levels. However, this dosage might vary as per the health condition of an individual. Hence, consult your doctor for further details.
So, why is potassium so important with respect to lowering blood pressure? Because nutrient is one of the principal electrolytes in the human body. It is required in proper balance with sodium, in a ratio of 2:1. The junk foods we so very lovingly consume every other day have higher levels of sodium than potassium. Which is why they contribute to high blood pressure like no other. Zucchini is a good source of potassium. A medium-sized fruit offers 512 milligrams of the nutrient, which roughly equals 11% of your daily need.
