Description: Buy 2 or more packets of mix and match seeds and get a free packet of seeds. Zucchini contains many nutrients. As a result, including it in your diet may have a variety of health benefits. Although zucchini is often considered a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit. Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash in the Cucurbitaceae plant family, alongside melons, spaghetti squash, and cucumbers. It can grow to more than 3.2 feet (1 meter) in length but is usually harvested when still immature — typically measuring under 8 inches (20 cm). It also occurs in several varieties, which range in color from deep yellow to dark green. While squashes originated in the Americas, this particular variety was first developed in the early 1800s in Italy Zucchini has been used in folk medicine to treat colds, aches, and various health conditions. *Here are 12 evidence-based benefits of zucchini. 1. Rich in Many Nutrients Zucchini is rich in several vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial plant compounds. One cup (223 grams) of cooked zucchini provides Calories: 17 Protein: 1 gram Fat: less than 1 gram Carbs: 3 grams Sugar: 1 gram Fiber: 1 gram Vitamin A: 40% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) Manganese: 16% of the RDI Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI Potassium: 13% of the RDI Magnesium: 10% of the RDI Vitamin K: 9% of the RDI Folate: 8% of the RDI Copper: 8% of the RDI Phosphorus: 7% of the RDI Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI Thiamine: 5% of the RDI It also contains small amounts of iron, calcium, zinc, and several other B vitamins. In particular, its ample vitamin A content may support your vision and immune system. Raw zucchini offers a similar nutrition profile as cooked zucchini, but with less vitamin A and more vitamin C, a nutrient which tends to be reduced by cooking. SUMMARY Zucchini contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. Cooked zucchini is particularly high in vitamin A, though raw zucchini contains slightly less. 2. High in Antioxidants Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial plant compounds that help protect your body from damage by free radicals. Carotenoids — such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene — are particularly plentiful in zucchini These may benefit your eyes, skin, and heart, as well as offer some protection against certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer Research indicates that the skin of the plant harbors the highest levels of antioxidants. Yellow zucchinis may contain slightly higher levels than light green ones SUMMARY Zucchini boasts several antioxidants that may provide various health benefits. The highest levels are found in the fruit’s skin. 3. Contributes to Healthy Digestion Zucchini may promote healthy digestion in several ways. For starters, it’s rich in water, which can soften stools. This makes them easier to pass and reduces your chances of constipation Zucchini also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools and helps food move through your gut more easily, further reducing constipation risk. This benefit is compounded if you have enough fluids in your diet Meanwhile, soluble fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria living in your gut. In turn, these friendly bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that nourish your gut cells What’s more, SCFAs may help reduce inflammation and symptoms of certain gut disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis SUMMARY Zucchini is rich in water and fiber, two compounds which can promote healthy digestion by reducing your risk of constipation and symptoms of various gut disorders. 4. May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Zucchini may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. At 3 grams of carbs per cooked cup (232 grams), zucchini provides a great low-carb alternative to pasta for those looking to reduce carb intake. It can be spiralized or sliced to replace spaghetti, linguini, or lasagna noodles in dishes. Low-carb diets can significantly lower blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which may keep blood sugar levels stable and reduce the need for medication in people with type 2 diabetes What’s more, zucchini’s fiber helps stabilize blood sugar, preventing levels from spiking after meals. Diets rich in fiber from fruits and vegetables — including zucchini — are consistently linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes The fiber found in zucchini may also help increase insulin sensitivity, which can help stabilize blood sugar as well Additionally, animal studies note that zucchini peel extract may help reduce blood sugar and insulin levels. This may be due to the skin’s potent antioxidants SUMMARY Zucchini’s fiber may increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. 5. May Improve Heart Health Zucchini may also contribute to heart health. Its high fiber content may be largely responsible. Observational studies show that people who eat more fiber have a lower risk of heart disease Pectin, one type of soluble fiber found in zucchini, appears particularly effective at reducing total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels In a review of 67 studies, consuming as little as 2–10 grams of soluble fiber per day for around 1–2 months reduced, on average, total cholesterol by 1.7 mg/dl and “bad” LDL cholesterol by 2.2 mg/dl Zucchini is also rich in potassium, which may help reduce high blood pressure by dilating your blood vessels. Healthier blood pressure is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke Moreover, diets rich in carotenoids — likewise found in zucchini — appear particularly protective against heart disease SUMMARY The fiber, potassium, and carotenoids in zucchini may lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease. 6. May Strengthen Your Vision Adding zucchini to your diet may aid your vision. That’s partly because zucchini is rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene — two nutrients important for eye health Zucchini also contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Research shows that these antioxidants can accumulate in your retina, improving your vision and reducing your risk of age-related eye diseases This may include a lower risk of macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in older adults In addition, diets high in lutein and zeaxanthin may also lower your likelihood of developing cataracts, a clouding of the lens which can lead to poor eyesight SUMMARY Zucchini is rich in manganese, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A and C — nutrients which contribute to healthy vision and may lower your risk of age-related eye conditions. 7. May Aid Weight Loss Regular consumption of zucchini may help you lose weight. This fruit is rich in water and has a low calorie density, which may help you feel full Its fiber content may also reduce hunger and keep your appetite at bay Moreover, studies consistently link high fruit and vegetable intake to weight loss and a slower rate of weight gain over time What’s more, intake of non-starchy, dark green or yellow vegetables — with similar nutrition profiles to zucchini — appears particularly beneficial to weight loss SUMMARY Zucchini is rich in water and fiber yet low in calories, all of which may help reduce hunger and help you feel full — potentially leading to weight loss over time. 8–11. Other Potential Benefits Zucchini may offer some additional benefits. The most well-researched include: Bone health. Zucchini is rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamin K and magnesium, all of which can help strengthen bones Anticancer effects. Test-tube and animal studies indicate that zucchini extracts may help kill or limit the growth of certain cancer cells. A healthy prostate. Animal research shows that zucchini seed extracts may help limit prostatic hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate that commonly causes urinary and sexual difficulties in older Thyroid function. Testing in rats reveals that zucchini peel extracts may help keep thyroid hormone levels stable. SUMMARY Zucchini may benefit bone, thyroid, and prostate health. It may also have anticancer properties. 12. Easy to Add to Your Diet Zucchini is incredibly versatile and can be eaten raw or cooked. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your meals: Add it raw to salads. Stew it with other summer fruits and vegetables to make ratatouille. Stuff with rice, lentils, or other vegetables, then bake it. For a mild stir-fry, add olive oil and sauté it. Boil it, then blend it into soups. Serve it as a side, grilled or sautéed with a little garlic and oil. Try it breaded and fried. Spiralize it into spaghetti- or linguine-like noodles, or slice it to replace lasagna sheets. Bake it into breads, pancakes, muffins, or cakes. In some cultures, the zucchini flower is considered a delicacy. You can either deep-fry it or sprinkle it raw atop salads, soups, and stews. SUMMARY Zucchini can be eaten raw or cooked in soups, stews, sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and more. The Bottom Line Zucchini is a versatile squash rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. It may offer several health benefits, ranging from improved digestion to a lower risk of heart disease. Zucchini may aid your bones, thyroid, and prostate. Growing Information. CULTURE: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–6.8 is best. Plastic mulch and fabric row covers (AG-19 grade) can aide plant establishment and exclude insect pests during the seedling stage. Row covers should be removed when plants begin to flower. Poor fruit development may indicate insufficient pollination. For highest quality fruit, succession plantings every 2-3 weeks may be needed. PLANT SPACING: Space plants 18-24" apart in rows 6' apart. Wider spacing may allow for easier harvesting. DISEASES: Common cucurbit diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, and phytophthora. Avoid problems with adequate soil drainage, good air flow, insect pest control, and crop rotation. If necessary, check with your local Cooperative Extension Service agent for specific control options. INSECT PESTS: Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and vine borers are all common pests for cucurbits. Protect young plants with floating row cover. Squash bug eggs found on the undersides of leaves may be crushed by hand. For vine borers, cut out of vines and hill soil over the wound. Keep field borders mowed and remove plant refuse in the fall; spring plow to bury pupae. Pyrethrin sprays may offer some control. HARVEST FRUIT: For some varieties, it is common for the first fruits to be malformed, wither, or blacken, which indicates poor pollination and is usually remedied as more male flowers appear. Harvest regularly, 2-3 times a week, once plants begin to produce. Cut or gently twist off fruits when they have reached the desired size. For zucchini, 6-8" long. Handle with care to avoid scratching fruits. HARVEST BLOSSOMS: Harvest male blossoms (with thin stems) or female blossoms (with thick stems and an immature fruit at the base of the flower) in mid to late morning when fully open. Clip flowers 1-2" below flower base. If a squash fruit crop is also desired from the same planting, only harvest male flowers, leaving a few to pollinate the female flowers. STORAGE: Keep fruit at 40-50°F (5-10°C), 95% relative humidity for up to 2 weeks. Use as soon as possible for best quality. DAYS TO MATURITY: From direct seeding; subtract about 14 days if transplanting. Will be shipped from a florist and greenhouse called Flower Shop Inc. situated in Manhasset, New York. In business for 23 years and counting.
Price: 2 USD
Location: Manhasset, New York
End Time: 2024-07-27T03:42:30.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Common Name: Zucchini
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor
Color: Yellow
Growth Habit: Running
Soil Type: Loam
Brand: Fresh
Season of Interest: Fall, Spring, Summer
Type: Vegetable Seeds
Life Cycle: Annual
Watering: Medium
Genus: Cucurbita pepo
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Open-Pollinated
Cultivating Difficulty: Easy