Raw vegetables are an excellent source of enzymes that can improve digestion. But, not all raw vegetables are good for people. Digestive systems of some people are too weak to digest some raw vegetables, so it is necessary to cook them. Many types of raw vegetables can cause gas, bloating and stomach pain.
In this article we will talk about zucchini. Can we eat zucchini raw or it may be harmful? Is raw zucchini good for our health? You will get the answers in this article, but first we will tell you something more about zucchini.
More about Zucchini
Zucchini is a favorite summer squash of many people and it is grown all around the world. Although zucchini is served as a vegetable, it is technically a fruit. Zucchini grows from a golden blossom, but normally you can’t see it in the grocery store. Zucchini can reach nearly a meter in length and it can be light or dark green.
Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals and it has many health benefits. Due to its high content of potassium, zucchini can protect your heart health. It is a great source of dietary fiber and it can help in bowel movement and prevent constipation. Zucchini is rich in vitamin C and it can boost your immune system.
Zucchini is usually served cooked or used as a condiment in many recipes. You can eat zucchini fried, boiled, steamed or baked. You can cook zucchini in soups, sauces and stews. Also, you can grill it with healthy flavorings, such as salt, pepper and virgin olive oil. But, can you eat zucchini raw or it must be cooked? Read along and you will find out soon.
Is Raw Zucchini Safe to Eat?
If you love raw zucchini, we have good news for you. It is absolutely safe to eat zucchini raw. You just need to trim the stem. Not only is raw zucchini safe but it has also many health benefits.
Many people eat raw zucchini in salads and dips, but you can also eat it as a snack. A few slices of raw zucchini will be a healthy snack for you. Raw zucchini is usually paired with salad dressings or dips such as guacamole. You can toss zucchini into a salad or add it to a sandwich. If you serve raw zucchini with olive oil, it will help your body absorb antioxidants from its skin much better. Raw chopped zucchini is very refreshing and crispy. Zucchini is not available during the whole year, so you can substitute it in recipes by some other type of raw summer squash.
Health Benefits of Raw Zucchini
Raw zucchini is very popular especially among dieters and people who want to eat healthy. It is loaded with vitamins A and C and it is low in calories. Studies have shown that only one cup of chopped raw zucchini can provide us with 37% of the necessary daily value for vitamin C. Due to its high content of vitamin A, raw zucchini can be a good substitute for carrots, because it is a rich source of beta carotene. Raw zucchini is also rich in fiber, potassium and vitamin B6, but it also contains small amounts of riboflavin and vitamin K. One cup of raw zucchini contains only 20 calories and it is about 95% made of water. Because of that, raw zucchini is a great choice if you want to lose weight. It will make you feel full for a longer period of time and it will cleanse your digestive tract.
Raw zucchini contains dietary fiber and it can improve digestion, so you won’t have problems with constipation any more. You don’t have to peel or to seed raw zucchini because it can be simply chopped up and eaten. The skin of zucchini is especially rich in nutrients and antioxidants, so it is best not to peel it. The zucchini skin is a great source of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lutein.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, zucchini is one of the vegetables that can be eaten raw. It is absolutely safe to eat zucchini raw and also it is the healthiest way to eat zucchini. This vegetable is a great source of nutrients that will reduce the risk of many health problems and improve your overall health. You can eat raw zucchini in many different ways. You can eat it as a snack, in a salad or with some dressings.
As we have already said, raw zucchini is low in calories and it will help you lose weight. You should include raw zucchini in your diet as soon as possible. This way you will feel and you will look much better. Make zucchini a part of your diet and enjoy in its delicious flavor and health benefits.
