#blogchatter A2Z 2023 challenge.

 Zucchini se milo

Tender, mild-flavoured and healthy, Zucchini has since of late become a popular wellness food. Zucchini is a summer squash also called courgette or baby marrow. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family along with melons and is referred to as a vegetable, though it is really a fruit. Zucchini resembles a cucumber in colour and shape. Zucchini may be pale green, yellow, striped or orange.  The inside of the fruit may be a pale yellow or a pale green and contains seeds. The fruit is harvested before it ripens because it is then that it offers the best flavour. Zucchini is a summer vegetable. It is well suited to the Indian summer as it is nutrient-dense and high in water. 

In recent years Zucchini has been used as a healthier replacement for pasta or independently. Vegetable spiralizers are used to cut Zucchini into thin long strips that resemble noodles that are then called Zoodles. Zucchini is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean, European, African and Middle-Eastern cuisine. 

Health Benefits;

• Zucchini is rich in many vitamins, minerals and other beneficial plant compounds. Cooked Zuchini is particularly rich in vitamin A. 
• Zucchini is rich in antioxidants - Carotenoids such as Lutein, Zeaxanthin, beta - carotene are present in plenty.  This aids eye health, and heart health and may offer protection against cancers. 
• Zucchini is rich in water and fibre both of which aid in digestion. A regular intake of Zucchini can help the problem of constipation and other gut disorders. 
• The fibre in Zucchini may reduce blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. 
• The fibre, potassium and carotenoids in Zucchini may lower blood pressure, cholesterol and other heart conditions. 
• Zucchini is rich in manganese, lutein, Zeaxanthin and vitamins A and C all nutrients that support eye- health and other age-related eye conditions. 

On Your Plate: 

• Raw in salads
• An ingredient in ratatouille
• Added to a stir fry
• Boiled and blended into soup
• Spiralized to make Zoodles
• Baked to make bread, pancakes, muffins and cakes. 

Is Zucchini new to you? consult your health care provider before adding to your diet. 

This post is part of the Blogchatter A2Z2023 challenge.