Can Diabetic Patients Eat Zucchini?
What do we know about Zucchini apart from the fact that it hard to spell? Some people might not know that. Zucchini is a fruit and not a vegetable. Zucchini is a part of the squash family and can be green as well as yellow in color.
We all have heard of various dishes that have Zucchini as the main ingredient in them. The fruit even acts as a garnishing agent in some cuisines. But little do we discuss the benefits of Zucchini.
So, you will be happy to know that Zucchini being a non-starchy food, has huge benefits in curing different diseases or regulating body functions apart from being a fancy fruit.
According to an article published in The Diet Health Club, Zucchini is actually very beneficial for diabetic people, especially for those who have type 2 diabetes.
Benefits of Zucchini for diabetes
Zucchini are sometimes confused as dark green cucumbers with the correct balance of various vitamins and minerals that can cure hunger cramps.
Yes, we know Zucchini and diabetes sound a bit unusual when heard together. But, the presence of Vitamins like A, B, C, E, and K, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, dietary fibers, Zinc, and folates make Zucchini a very healthy choice of eating and one of the best food items for diabetic patients, especially those with Type 2 Diabetes.
Zucchini has a very low number of calories that makes it medicinal for obesity and high cholesterol levels. Zucchini is rich in Vitamin B complex that helps the body in regulating the necessary metabolism.
This helps the body maintain blood sugar levels, as diabetes usually occurs when the body cannot metabolize and regulate sugar levels in the blood.
When included in the diet for patients with type 2 diabetes, Zucchini breaks down the sugar in the body due to magnesium and zinc. Zucchini is also considered a good antioxidant due to the presence of beta carotene.
Considering all the benefits mentioned above, it can affirmatively be said that Zucchini is exceptionally beneficial if included in the diet food for diabetic patients.
Zucchini Recipes for diabetes?
People often get confused with how to consume Zucchini. So, the answer to this question is, you can either drink it as a fruit, or a salad or a juice.
The fruit even tastes good, goes well with different kinds of food dishes like pasta or bread, and can be eaten fried, cooked, or raw. Hence Zucchini is one of the best fruits that you can eat as a diabetic patient.
That said, the benefits of Zucchini are at their best if consumed in the raw state. Just add a little bit of salt, pepper, and some seasoning of your choice to yours are ready to have it raw without complaining about the taste.
Other health benefits of Zucchini
The B complex in the presence of Zinc and Magnesium aid to break down sugars. Zucchini also contains fiber and pectin in abundance, which is both very helpful in regulating blood sugar levels.
Zucchini also contains vitamin B, folates, and fiber that has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar. The fruit is also a significant vitamin C and antioxidants source, anti-inflammatory properties, and a high potassium source.
It also helps improve digestion due to its high fiber content and promotes good eye health as well. For those who have diabetes, the importance of the eye is well understood.
Zucchini is rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin-two antioxidants that were found to keep distance from age-related macular degeneration. Zucchini is also a good source of Vitamin A that helps improve eye health.
Zucchini is hence definitely a great fruit to add to the diet for those having diabetes, Type II diabetes to be specific.
Zucchini has enormous benefits in weight loss which is very important for a diabetic patient. Zucchini is low starch fruit, which means it is low in carbs and high in fiber, filling you up and discouraging overeating.
The fruit also has a high water content that can keep you full for a more extended period of time. This fruit is one of those food items that have a low glycaemic index.
The point to be noted here is that the lower the glycaemic index (GI), the lesser are the chances of adverse effects on blood sugar levels. Following a low glycaemic diet may also offer various other health benefits that include:
• Improve regulation of blood sugar: Several studies have found that people who follow a low GI diet may see the benefits of reduced blood sugar levels and improved blood sugar management, especially in the case of type 2 diabetes.
• Support weight loss: Research shows that following a diet with a low GI index can help people in short-term weight loss. But there are more studies to be done to identify exactly how a low GI diet can affect long-term weight management.
• Lower down the cholesterol levels: People who strictly follow a diet with a low GI index are more likely to witness more subordinate levels of both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Both these cholesterols play a considerable role in increasing the risk for several heart diseases.
Zucchini is low in cholesterol, sodium, and fat and helps maintain a balance of carbohydrates, which is necessary to maintain optimum heart health. Knowing that Zucchini is rich in fiber, we can rest assured that the fruit is a boon in minimizing the risk of heart stroke, hypertension, and other heart diseases.
Other food items for diabetic patients
It is unfortunate that a household not having even a single diabatic condition is a rare sight nowadays. It has thus become essential for every individual to be aware of what they are eating and how that food will affect their body. Besides Zucchini, other food items that are beneficial if included in the diet for diabetic patients, type 2 diabetes in particular:
- Brown Rice
- Eggs
- Lentils
- Plain Yogurt
- Leafy Greens
- Quinoa
Thanks for reading and hope we have answered your query regarding can diabetics eat zucchini.