Useful properties of zucchini for the human body. What vitamins are in zucchini? Composition, beneficial properties of zucchini

Can not imagine summer menu without such a healthy and affordable vegetable as zucchini. This plant is a type of pumpkin. The fruits are oblong in shape and can be green, yellow, white or even black. The homeland of zucchini is South America. After its appearance in Europe, it was first used for decorative purposes. Later in Italy they tried to use young fruits for food. From this moment on, zucchini began to become widespread in cooking. Zucchini and squash are the same zucchini. The first type has a denser skin that is dark green or mixed with light green stripes. Zucchini fruits are richer in vitamins than regular zucchini. Patisson differs only in shape. The fruits are round, slightly flattened with wavy edges.

Squash - the same zucchini, but of a different shape

Composition of zucchini

Do zucchini have beneficial features and contraindications? To answer this question, you need to get acquainted with the composition of the vegetable. Determined that different types have minor differences in the content of components. Zucchini is 90% water, the rest is coarse fiber. The fruits are rich in vitamins C, E and group B. This helps strengthen immune system person. The mineral composition did not disappoint either. Chemical elements: iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium have a positive effect on general state body. Such a rich set of vitamins and microelements explains the beneficial properties of zucchini for human health. This vegetable is indispensable dietary nutrition and in case of problems with overweight

. There are only 25 kcal per 100 g of product.

Eating zucchini supplies the body with essential microelements

Benefits of zucchini

• What are the benefits of zucchini for the body? Thanks to its mild laxative effect, this vegetable regulates the work gastrointestinal tract
• . Normalizing the digestive system immediately affects the condition of the skin. Dishes made from zucchini do not irritate the mucous membrane.
• The low content of carbohydrates, which do not increase blood sugar levels, allows zucchini to be used in the diet of people with diabetes.
• Extra pounds will gradually disappear if zucchini is on the menu. In combination with sports, the desired result will come faster.
• The elements potassium and magnesium provide nutrition to the heart muscle. B vitamins have a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels and nervous system. Zucchini can be called a vegetable that protects heart health.
• Eating zucchini is preventive measure to maintain normal level hemoglobin in the blood. Iron, which is part of the product, helps with this, and vitamin C promotes better absorption.
• In case of poisoning and allergies, zucchini plays the role of a sorbent, cleansing the body.
• The presence of antioxidants helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis and slow down the aging process. There is information that consuming zucchini may reduce the likelihood of oncological diseases.

The benefits of zucchini are well known. This confirms the fact that the vegetable is recommended for the first feeding of infants. But with all the diversity positive qualities

, it has contraindications.

Zucchini dishes allow you to lose weight and normalize your blood sugar levels

Who should not eat zucchini?

If you eat zucchini raw, it can be harmful. This applies to patients with ulcers and gastritis. Zucchini juice can also lead to irritation of the mucous membrane. But steamed, stewed or boiled zucchini can be safely included in their diet. People with kidney problems caused by potassium excretion from the body should not consume this vegetable without consulting their doctor. Another harmful effect of zucchini can occur when consuming products with high content

substances obtained during cultivation with the uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and plant protection products. Soaking the vegetable pieces in salted water for 2 hours will help. After this, the product is washed big amount water and let it drain. In food healthy person zucchini is present in any form. The choice of dishes will satisfy even a gourmet. Casserole, puree soup, stew, vegetable sauces for pasta, porridges, meat products

and everyone’s favorite squash caviar. Zucchini can even become the basis for jam. By adding orange or lemon to its taste, you can easily surprise your guests with an unusual use of your favorite vegetable.

Raw zucchini is not suitable for consumption

Knowing how zucchini is useful, you can choose and safely prepare the dishes you like. But in order to preserve the vitamins present in the vegetable, you must follow simple rules.

• Prolonged heat treatment leads to the destruction of useful substances.
• Recipes that involve frying in large amounts of fat will do more harm than good.

Considering the strong and weak properties of this vegetable, you can easily negate the harm of zucchini. The long season of the product will allow it to be used from spring to late autumn.

But even in winter, you can treat yourself to your favorite vegetable if you freeze it. With this method of preparation, vitamins are not lost.

Zucchini is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances.

Also, with the help of zucchini you can lose a couple of kilograms.

Children simply need them for full development and growth. Adults - to maintain the health of the heart, joints, kidneys and other important organs.

They are indicated for seriously ill people due to the fact that they have a delicate and pleasant consistency, do not irritate the intestines, gently envelop the walls of the stomach, strengthen the body, nourish with vitamins and organic substances. They are recommended for older people as essential food products, especially in the spring, when the body has depleted all its vitamin reserves.

Zucchini is called healthy due to its content of carotene and vitamin C. Zucchini contains a sufficient amount of minerals - potassium, magnesium and iron. In terms of these properties, zucchini is ahead of even white cabbage.

Useful properties of zucchini in dietary nutrition

beneficial properties of zucchiniThe most useful property of zucchini is the ability to normalize water balance body, zucchini removes extra salt and is a diuretic. It can also be used in dietary nutrition. Not afraid to dial excess weight You can consume up to 1.5 kilograms of this healthy vegetable per day.

The vegetable is useful for dietary nutrition, for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract for gentle nutrition. Especially in stews and puddings. Another wonderful quality of zucchini is that it practically does not cause allergic reactions and can be consumed by both adults and children.

Beneficial properties of zucchini juice

Beneficial properties of zucchini Raw zucchini juice, when taken regularly, calms the nervous system and improves intestinal function. However, it should be remembered that it should not be consumed in large quantities. urolithiasis.

The antioxidant benefits of zucchini are used in home medicine. A mask of several vegetable slices boiled in milk will help soften your facial skin and smooth out wrinkles. Well relieves skin redness and removes dark spots. An excellent mask for softening and improving hair condition is made from grated zucchini with a few drops of olive or essential oil. This mask maintains hair color well, preventing gray hair from appearing.

How to store zucchini so that they retain their beneficial properties

Zucchini retains these beneficial properties almost all year round. They must be stored in a dry and dark place. Zucchini remains tasty until spring, but there are varieties that become bitter by winter; you need to choose the right variety for storage.

Treatment with zucchini

According to tibetan medicine, the fruits of zucchini have general strengthening properties due to the high content of carotene and vitamin C. Zucchini enhances intestinal motility, so if consumed regularly, you will not be overweight. You can eat up to 1.5 kilograms of this healthy product per day.

1. Heart, blood vessels. Zucchini nourishes the heart muscle thanks to its large amount of magnesium and potassium. Iron improves blood properties. More iron– more oxygen in the blood. More oxygen means more stress our body can endure without consequences for itself.

2. Structured water. Zucchini is 90% water. This cell sap– a natural liquid that is well absorbed by our body and nourishes it.

3. Stomach. Zucchini contains a small amount of fiber: it is especially useful for those who have undergone surgery on the gastrointestinal tract.

4. Immunity. Zucchini is a rare vegetable that does not lose its properties during long-term storage. Even before the New Year, you can reinforce your body with vitamins C, B1, B3. And this is always better than vitamin tablets.

5. Kidneys. Zucchini helps remove from the body excess liquid. If you begin to notice swelling - squash diet will do for your benefit.

6. Antioxidants. Substances that help us fight aging. In order for them to fully work for the benefit of our body - a minimum of heat treatment! A light simmer or ten minutes in the oven is enough.

7. Liver. When bile stagnates, zucchini perfectly relieves the liver. They even help with cholecystitis.

8. Leather. Zucchini pulp, when applied externally, perfectly whitens and rejuvenates the skin.

9. Diabetes. Zucchini contains the most essential microelements for diabetics. Including natural sugars.

10. Arthritis. When consumed regularly, zucchini removes excess salts from the body and helps cleanse our joints.

11. Poisoning. After emergency measures To cleanse the poisoned body, follow a diet with plenty of zucchini!

12. Slagging. If you know that your body is contaminated, eat at least 200 grams of zucchini daily for a week.

13. Cellulite. The same ability of zucchini to remove excess liquid. He will help the ladies cope with the notorious " orange peel".

Summer time has arrived and in addition to the pleasure of warm, sunny days, loose clothes and bright colors of the season, we enjoy the gifts of nature. And what is most positive about this is that any vegetable and fruit can be purchased at meager prices or picked from a garden or tree completely free of charge. Also positive point The fact is that all this is useful and has a very beneficial effect on our body. Among the rich list of nature's gifts place of honor occupied by zucchini, also called zucchini. Let's take a closer look at what kind of vegetable this is, how it ended up on our tables, what its benefits are and whether there are any contraindications for consumption. So, let’s find out the benefits and harms of zucchini for the human body.

A little history of zucchini

The word “zucchini” directly comes from the Turkic “kabak”, that is. And this directly indicates that the vegetable comes from the pumpkin family. The bush plant produces oblong fruits, the color of which can be light green, yellow, or dark green. The tender pulp of zucchini cooks quickly and 2-3 minutes on fire is enough to get an excellent dish. For the first time, the vegetable was used in cooking by the inhabitants of Mexico, where this amazing product comes from. But in the Oaxaca Valley of Mexico, initially, oddly enough, only the seeds of ripe fruits were used. Then they began to include the pulp in food, cutting the fruit along with its delicate peel into salads. From America, zucchini migrated to Europe around the 16th century, along with other exotic guests. Amazed by the shape and variety of flowers of the vegetable, Europeans first began to grow them in their greenhouses and botanical gardens as a decorative element.

And only by the 18th century did the Italians think of including them in food and discovered their exquisite and unique taste. This is how the conquest of the culinary scene began, and now there is hardly a kitchen in which a dish of zucchini would not be prepared at least once a year.

What types of zucchini are there?

The most popular varieties, widespread in every corner of the planet, are four types - spaghetti, round zucchini, classic and zucchini. The last two are used more often than others; they have a smooth, even surface and minimal cooking time. The variety is distinguished by amazing productivity, absolutely unpretentious, just throw one or two seeds into the ground, and in a couple of days sprouts will appear. In a month maximum, you will be able to be satisfied with the delicate taste of the vegetable, and the quantity will allow you not only to eat it yourself, but also to can it and treat it to friends.

There are a large number of varieties of this vegetable and each of them is unpretentious both in cultivation and preparation. All varieties have excellent taste and are suitable for consumption raw, boiled, fried, baked and canned. But the favorites of culinary specialists and nutritionists are zucchini - zucchini with a dense and dark green skin. In them, according to research greatest number vitamins, minerals and macroelements. But first, let's study the calorie content of the product and its most useful composition. The vegetable is considered dietary because:

As you can see, you can choose a cooking method taking into account the effect on slimness. But do not forget that the energy component also depends on what product it is prepared with and what spices are added.

Chemical composition: thiamine, ascorbic acid, folic acid, malic acid, a nicotinic acid. Riboflavin has a beneficial effect on work endocrine system, heart, blood vessels, brain. The product also contains magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, iron, etc.

Useful properties of zucchini

1. Speaking about the benefits, first of all we should remember about coarse fibers - fiber that cleanses our body. It affects our receptors located in the gastrointestinal tract, regulates secretion and motility. Outputs fecal stones, putrefactive bacteria, metabolic products, toxins, waste, which helps reduce the level of harmful and increase good cholesterol.
2. The product is rich in pectins - substances that make up high-molecular compounds. They tie heavy metals, salt and toxic substances among themselves and removed from the body. To such harmful substances include lead, cobalt, mercury, cadmium, etc., which enter our body through air, food, water and create conditions for the development of cancer, inflammatory and other negative processes.
3. Zucchini is recommended to be included in the diet when various diseases and as a preventive measure. They also have diuretic, choleretic properties, perfectly regulate water-salt, water-alkaline balance, improve metabolism and skin condition.
4. Stewed, boiled and baked zucchini improves gastrointestinal motility, eliminates flatulence and constipation. The components of the product do not irritate, but have a gentle effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. For this reason, the vegetable is prescribed to patients after major operations, for gastrointestinal diseases, gastritis, ulcers, etc.
5. By reducing the level bad cholesterol thanks to fibers and cellulose, work improves of cardio-vascular system. Cleaned vessels are the key to the functioning of valves, ventricles, and the smallest vessels, including the brain. Thus, memory, vision, hearing, and mental functions improve.
6. Magnesium and potassium contained in zucchini strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce high arterial pressure, improve the condition with coronary disease, angina and tachycardia.
7. The vegetable contains a lot of iron, selenium, zinc and copper, which promotes the formation of red cells, hematopoiesis and eliminates the risk of anemia. In cases of anemia, zucchini is included in the diet and helps to quickly restore hemoglobin.
8. The product contains slow carbohydrates, and for diabetic patients this is a real salvation. As we know, fast carbohydrates cause an increase in sugar levels and “trigger” an attack, which is fraught with serious consequences. Diabetics can eat zucchini as much as they want; moreover, they are included in the diet.
9. Zucchini antioxidants are real anti-oxidants free radicals, which form pathogenic cells and trigger oncological processes. Regular consumption reduces the risk of developing malignant diseases, both organs and blood.
10. Anti-inflammatory properties due to the contained ascorbic acid and other antioxidants prevent infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Important: zucchini is classified as hypoallergenic products and practically do not cause allergies.

They are in any form mandatory included in the diet of people working in hazardous - chemical, radioactive enterprises. Scientists have proven the product’s ability to cleanse the liver and restore its functions. In this case, it is better to consume stewed, steamed vegetables.

Can pregnant women eat zucchini?

A close relative of the pumpkin, it is a real find for expectant mothers. Vitamins, micro and macroelements, lithium, molybdenum, zinc, titanium and other substances are very useful for both the pregnant woman and the child.

1. The diuretic property of zucchini allows a woman to get rid of edema, which plagues almost every pregnant woman in the third trimester.
2. Doctors strongly recommend that all expectant mothers include this product in their diet as a blood pressure lowering product.
3. Vitamin C and carotene regulate water balance, which is useful for the risk of developing pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, and urolithiasis.
4. Potassium and magnesium are involved in the development of the baby's cardiac, vascular, hematopoietic and nervous systems.
5. It's no secret to any of the ladies that during the period of bearing a child you should sit on strict diet. Zucchini can be eaten in any form (fried minimum), they gently cleanse the intestines, eliminate constipation and flatulence.

Cosmetic properties of zucchini for pregnant women

All women know that when carrying a baby, pigment spots often appear on the body, including on the face. Get rid of them chemicals dangerous to the baby's health. Yes, and there is no such need; ordinary zucchini, cheap and available at any time, perfectly cleanses and whitens the skin.

Whitening Recipes

1. Rinse the dense, fresh vegetable, grate and squeeze out the liquid, add 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide. Moisten gauze or a napkin in it and apply it to the places where stains have appeared.
2. The second method not only whitens, but also makes the skin elastic, restores its structure, smoothes wrinkles and tones. To do this you need grated pulp mixed with a small amount natural honey, apply all over the face and keep for 15 minutes.
3. Mix the grated pulp with oatmeal and also apply to the face and neck area. Wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin is toned, and the complexion is evened out.

Important: zucchini juice, its pulp mixed with honey, yolk and a spoonful of cognac enhance hair growth, eliminate dandruff and restore the hair’s former shine, shine and silkiness.

Is it possible to give zucchini to children?

A product that is non-irritating to the mucous membrane and has soft and tasty pulp cannot be used, but should be included in the baby’s complementary foods. This is one of those vegetables whose pH is as close as possible to that of a child. Thanks to this, it is quickly and without consequences digested, regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and improves peristalsis. Available nowadays in any season, the vegetable does not cause an allergic reaction, is perfectly preserved at low temperatures and is easy to prepare.

Young mothers often have a natural question: at what age can zucchini be introduced into complementary foods? Start around 5-6 months of your baby's life. Start with a tiny portion - half a teaspoon in the morning, at about 10-00. This way, parents will be able to carefully monitor the state of the baby’s body and the reaction to the consumed zucchini. If everything is in order, feed once a day and increase the portion over 7 days. Vegetables with light green skin are suitable for feeding your baby, served as a puree.

Zucchini puree for babies

Rinse fresh, elastic zucchini thoroughly, scald with boiling water and peel the skin, cut out the section with the seeds. Cut the vegetable into cubes, add water to cover and cook without salt until soft. Then place in a blender and grind to a liquid puree, add breast milk or baby formula.

What are the benefits of zucchini for men?

We can safely say that zucchini, the same zucchini, is true men's product. A lot of research has been conducted that have repeatedly proven the usefulness of all components and coarse fibers of the vegetable.

1. Regular consumption, both fried and steamed, stewed, boiled, is an excellent disease prevention genitourinary system men, including prostate cancer. Even if there is a slight increase, it is difficult for a man to cope with both urination and sexual functions. And zucchini substances reduce hypertrophy of the prostate area.
2. Contained in large quantities, iron, copper and zinc are involved in hematopoiesis and raising the level of not only hemoglobin, but also male testosterone.
3. Antioxidants prevent the development of infectious and inflammatory processes, do not allow the body's cells to age. Selenium, cobalt, vitamins B, A and C improve the condition of hair, nails and skin.

And also, a real scourge modern men became a “beer belly.” This cute name means that it accumulates in the abdominal area. visceral fat. The fat layer is a direct provocateur for the development of cancer not only in the genitourinary, but also in the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, endocrine and other systems. If you consume steamed or baked zucchini without adding salt and fatty ingredients, you can quickly remove extra pounds and lose weight.

What is the harm of zucchini?

It can't be said that this product has characteristic negative properties. But there are points you should pay attention to before consuming.

1. Raw zucchini is contraindicated for acute phases diseases of the human intestine and stomach.
2. Fried foods should not be consumed if you have gastritis, colitis, or ulcers. duodenum and stomach. Also, those who want to lose weight should not get carried away with fried vegetables.
3. In case of exacerbation of diseases of the genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract, cholelithiasis and nephritis, it is not recommended to drink squash juice.

Contraindications for consuming zucchini

Despite the fact that the product is hypoallergenic, it can still cause health problems if grown in unfavorable conditions. It is strictly forbidden to purchase vegetables near the road, on highways, or from dubious sellers in the market.

Fried zucchini absorbs a colossal amount of oil “like a sponge”, and turns from dietary into a calorie “bomb”. Also, when frying, carcinogens are released that negatively affect the body and cause cancer.

Losing weight on zucchini

Many people have heard that thanks to the zucchini diet you can lose up to 4-5 kilograms in a week. Some will think that this is a myth, but it is not. Indeed, there are recipes with which you can gain harmony and at the same time improve your health.

Important: before going on a zucchini diet, you must consult with your doctor and identify any allergies to the components.

Zucchini super diet for weight loss

1. The diet should include only zucchini and other vegetables, foods that do not contain starch and fat - greens, low-fat cottage cheese, chicken breast, lean meat, white fish, egg whites. During the day you need to eat about half a kilogram of the listed products and 150 grams of porridge with water or low-fat milk. You can indulge in 1-2 pieces of grain bread.
2. The following recipe allows you to lose up to 6 kilograms in 10 days. It’s worth pointing out right away that this diet is contraindicated:

• pregnant and lactating women;
• at chronic diseases kidneys and genitourinary system;
• adolescents during puberty and maturation;
• after the postponed serious illnesses and operations.

The diet recipe provides different variants, we suggest you choose something from the presented dishes.

You can have a drink before you go to bed Fresh Juice from apples or orange.

The best recipes with zucchini

Now we'll move on to some amazing zucchini recipes that are cooked in... a quick fix. This is not to say that they are dietary, but sometimes you can treat yourself, right?

Casserole with zucchini

For a tasty and easy to prepare dish we need:

• 6 potatoes;
• 6 zucchini;
• 6 tomatoes:
• 500 grams of doctor's sausage;
• 6 eggs;
• 150 grams of cheese (hard);
• 100 grams of mayonnaise;
• Salt, pepper and herbs to taste.

Wash the potatoes, tomatoes and zucchini, peel the potatoes and cut everything into even 0.5 mm slices. Do the same with sausage. If desired, you can replace it with smoked meat or entrecotes. Grate the cheese, finely chop the greens. Separately, salt and pepper the potatoes, tomatoes and zucchini, and coat with mayonnaise. Place foil on a baking sheet and place one by one in the form of petals - potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, meat and repeat until the circle is closed. Pour beaten eggs on top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in the oven until golden brown crust. Believe me, it's very satisfying, tasty dish and the portion is such that you can feed a whole team.

Adjika with zucchini

Most housewives know very well that preparing the adjika we are used to requires a lot of tomatoes. As it turned out, amazing delicious preserves can be made from zucchini, which is simply impossible to use during the season. To prepare adjika, which you won’t be able to pull away by the ears, we need:

• 3 kilograms of peeled zucchini;
• 1.5 kilograms of tomatoes;
• 500 grams of sweet pepper;
• 6 heads of garlic;
• 2 tables. spoons of salt;
• 100 grams of granulated sugar;
• 2.5 tables. spoons of hot red pepper;
• 200 grams of refined sunflower oil;
• 100 grams of 9 percent vinegar.

Wash the vegetables (except garlic) thoroughly and mince them, mix and add salt, sugar, vegetable oil and pepper to the mixture - cook for 40 minutes. Then add the garlic passed through the garlic and boil for another 5 minutes, pour in the vinegar, cook for 5 minutes and pour into sterilized jars, roll up. Turn the jars over, cover with a warm blanket and leave until completely cool.

Well, in conclusion, I would like to add only one thing - do not look for expensive products and means to rejuvenate the body, improve and preserve good health. Also, do not spend fabulous sums on incomprehensible cosmetic ointments and masks. Everything you need is in the refrigerator. Even in cold seasons, zucchini in markets costs mere pennies. Buy, cook with pleasure, wear masks and save your hard-earned money. Believe me, no overseas wonders can outshine zucchini in taste and properties.

Bye everyone.
Best regards, Vyacheslav.

What are the benefits of zucchini for the human body? In 100 g raw product contains only 24 kcal mass of essential nutrients:

• carbohydrates - 5.6 g
• a little protein - 0.5 g
• fat – 0.3 g
• potassium – 238 mg
• calcium – 15 mg
• phosphorus – 12 mg
• magnesium – 9 mg
• a small amount of iron, sulfur, sodium
• ascorbic acid depending on the variety from 15 to 40 mg

What are the benefits of zucchini?

The great Russian physiologist I.P. Pavlov wrote at the beginning of the 20th century that a person can extend his life by at least one third if he eats fresh vegetables every day. A variety of vegetables are truly vital. If we consider the benefits and harms of zucchini for the body, there are many more pros than cons. Each substance in zucchini has a positive effect on various functions and systems of the body.

Potassium is an antagonist of sodium. Participates in water-salt metabolism. Together with sodium salts, it removes excess fluid from the body. Potassium contained in zucchini is useful for hypertension, heart and kidney diseases.

Magnesium and potassium give zucchini its beneficial properties. Regulate the activity of the cardiovascular system. Its content in zucchini has a positive effect on hematopoiesis.

Calcium and phosphorus are contained in small quantities in zucchini. But their presence partially compensates for the lack of these elements in the body. Helps improve bone strength and increase their density. Has a positive effect on the prevention of osteoporosis, especially in older people.

Zucchini removes toxins, dense cholesterol, toxins and toxic substances. Prevent early development atherosclerosis and slagging of the body.

Vitamin "C" or ascorbic acid – natural antioxidant. Participates in redox processes. Affects metabolism, enzyme synthesis. Stimulates the formation of hormones and exhibits an antitoxic effect. Increases the body's resistance to infections. But ascorbic acid is an unstable compound, it is oxidized by atmospheric oxygen, and is destroyed during heat treatment. To save it you need to use raw zucchini, benefits from fresh vegetables much more.

The benefits and harms of zucchini in dietary and therapeutic nutrition

Zucchini is quickly and easily absorbed by the body. Do not irritate the stomach and intestines, improve digestion. Strengthen activity salivary glands, increase production gastric juice. Pairs well with meat and fish dishes. Therefore, zucchini has found application in medicinal and dietary nutrition.

Zucchini dishes are recommended for atherosclerosis, edema of cardiac and renal origin, and chronic constipation. Due to this, vegetables are indispensable for obesity. The benefits of zucchini for weight loss are obvious, but the harm from their use in dietary nutrition is in this case No. Lowest energy value zucchini variety has 16 kcal.

Zucchini in cooking without harm, with health benefits

Fruits that have reached technical ripeness, ranging in size from 25 to 30 cm and a diameter of 8 to 10 cm, are used for food. During this period, the skin of vegetables is thin and soft, and the flesh is tender and juicy. Zucchini is often used in processed form as food. Although raw zucchini has much more benefits. They are added to salads and cereals. They prepare a lot of delicious and healthy dishes. Zucchini:

• fried in butter and vegetable oil
• boil and puree to obtain puree
• stewed with vegetables and meat
• baked in the oven;
• grated for pancakes and pancakes
• stuffed with mushrooms, vegetables, minced meat and fish, etc.

Cooked with zucchini, which is beneficial for the human body. Widely used for home and industrial canning. Zucchini caviar and pickled zucchini have received particular recognition among the population. From ripe fruits they learned to prepare amber translucent jam with a pineapple flavor.

The benefits and harms of zucchini with frequent use

If a person is obese and is going to lose weight, fried zucchini is of little benefit. The calorie content of vegetables fried in any fat increases almost 4 times. They can be eaten, but in limited quantities.

Dishes from raw vegetables Contraindicated for patients with certain diseases of the stomach and intestines. They should not be used by patients with gastritis, stomach ulcers, enterocolitis, or duodenitis.

Zucchini rarely causes allergies. However allergic reactions still occur in people with increased individual sensitivity to this vegetable. In this case, it is necessary to exclude all dishes with zucchini from the diet.

Contraindications and benefits of zucchini are often associated not so much with the vegetable itself, but with the conditions of its cultivation. When a plant grows in poor soils, large amounts can be added to the soil to increase productivity. Hard-to-destroy insecticides are used to kill insect pests.

Dangerous substances are absorbed into the zucchini and enter the human body. Even in minimal doses they can cause severe allergic reactions. Therefore, people suffering food allergies, you need to be careful with any product, and not just zucchini. Then there will be only benefits, harm to health from using this delicious vegetable will come to naught.

Zucchini is an annual herbaceous plant that belongs to the pumpkin family. Zucchini is considered very healthy vegetable, since it is easily absorbed in the body, and also has a positive effect on skin health and digestive system. Seeds from the fruit are used in cosmetology as the main ingredient in creams.

Beneficial features

Zucchini contains a large amount of carotene and vitamin C, so they have general strengthening properties. This plant has a diuretic effect, which removes water and table salt, also normalizes water-salt balance and cleanses the blood. Zucchini contains high quantity pectin substances, which allows them to be quickly absorbed and removes excess cholesterol and sodium salts from the body. With regular consumption of this vegetable, intestinal motility increases, which helps get rid of extra pounds ov. The daily diet can contain up to one and a half kilograms of this product and it will not harm a person in any way. Zucchini is a low-calorie product; it contains approximately 20 kcal per 100 grams, which makes it possible to add it to the diet of people who are on a diet.

Application of zucchini

It is recommended to eat zucchini dishes for people who are sick with cholecystitis, hepatitis, chronic colitis, atherosclerosis, cholelithiasis, hypertension, chronic pyelonephritis and jades. Squash caviar useful for use by patients with metabolic disorders (urolithiasis, gout and others). This vegetable can be eaten throughout the season, in unlimited quantities, since its calorie content is approximately zero.

It is useful to use zucchini for problems associated with:

1. Heart and blood vessels. Zucchini contains large amounts of potassium and magnesium, which nourish the heart muscle. Iron improves the properties of blood, it increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and thanks to this the body can withstand more stress without bad consequences.
2. Structured water. 90% of zucchini is water. This is a natural liquid that nourishes our body and is easily absorbed.
3. Stomach. The vegetable is especially useful for those who have had operations on the gastrointestinal tract, because it contains a small amount of fiber.
4. Immunity. Zucchini is a vegetable that retains its properties even after long-term storage; at any time of the year it can enrich the body with vitamins B1, B3, C.
5. Kidneys. Zucchini helps with edema, that is, it removes excess fluid from the body.
6. Antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight aging, they are also part of zucchini, but for their preservation and further full-fledged work, minimal heat treatment of this vegetable is required.
7. Liver. Zucchini relieves the liver when there is stagnation of bile and helps perfectly with cholecystitis.
8. Skin. The pulp of the vegetable will help whiten and rejuvenate the skin; it must be applied externally.
9. Diabetes. All the microelements necessary for diabetics are contained in zucchini, even natural sugar.
10. Arthritis. It will help cleanse joints and remove salts from the body. regular use this product for food.
11. Poisoning. To restore the body's condition after poisoning, it is necessary to follow a zucchini diet.
12. Slagging. If the body is contaminated, you need to eat about 200 grams of zucchini every day for a week.
13. Cellulite. When fighting “orange peel”, zucchini will ideally help, as it removes excess fluid from the body.

Older people should also add this product to their diet, as it activates digestion, improves stomach function and has a beneficial effect on blood formation.

Contraindications

Zucchini also has its own contraindications. They are not recommended for use by people who have kidney problems (impaired excretion of potassium from the body). For gastritis and peptic ulcer You shouldn't eat raw vegetables either.

Zucchini diet

The zucchini diet is quite easy to tolerate and at the same time perfectly cleanses the body. Its advantage is that there is no prescribed menu, and each person can create a diet for himself that meets his needs. taste qualities. In this case, you need to follow the main rule - you need to eat at least half a kilo of zucchini per day, but they should be prepared with a minimum percentage of fat. Vegetables can be stewed, prepared into salads, added to soups and the like. IN daily diet It is recommended to add vegetables (carrots, Bell pepper, cauliflower, cucumbers) and fruits (kiwi, citrus fruits, apples). A little lemon juice And vegetable oil, can be used as dressings for salads and other dishes. Protein (200 grams) should be present in the diet daily; it can be ingested by eating poultry, lean meats and river fish. During the diet, you can drink green or herbal - unsweetened tea, water and natural juices sugarless.

When preparing dishes, it is best to use young zucchini (with dark green or yellow fruits). The skin of this vegetable contains the most microelements and vitamins, so it is better not to peel zucchini for cooking, but to cook it with the skin. If desired, you are allowed to salt dishes, but use salt in very small quantities.

During the diet it is necessary to exclude from the diet confectionery, alcohol, sugar, smoked meats, sausages and baked goods.

By adhering to this diet, it is possible not only to get rid of extra pounds, but also to improve the condition of the body.

Zucchini in cosmetology

Zucchini can be used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology. The vegetable contains antioxidants that slow down the aging process of the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to use it when preparing a mask against skin aging; for this mask you will need the following products:

• zucchini pulp - 2 tablespoons needed, finely grated - peeled zucchini;
• Peach oil;
• wheat flour (1 tbsp);
• honey (1 teaspoon);
• egg yolk;
• cream.

Mix all this well and apply to the skin of the face and décolleté. Leave on for about 20 minutes, then rinse off warm water. This mask should be used immediately after preparation; it should not be stored in the refrigerator.