Zucchini during pregnancy - benefits and harms

Care for the baby during pregnancy is expressed not only by a moderate load, but also by the correct diet. After all, it is vitamins and minerals that are part of certain products that provide the child with the correct intrauterine development. And especially good seasonal vegetables and fruits with high nutritional value. Young zucchini, which should become the basis of the summer menu, also belong to this category. What is useful in their composition when it is better not to eat them, and how to choose zucchini?

Unique features of zucchini

Zucchini is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Pumpkin family. Its fruit has an elongated shape, pale green skin and pale green, almost white, flesh. In young zucchini there are practically no grains, they differ in a soft, creamy taste. Ripe fruits are tougher and they no longer have that much juice.

The birthplace of squash is South America. It was there that they were first used for food. Today they are popular far beyond the southern hemisphere - zucchini has become the main element of French and Mediterranean cuisine (the well-known ratatouille).

Vitamin composition of zucchini

What vitamins are included in the pulp of the nearest “relative” of pumpkin:

1. Zucchini contains almost the entire group B. Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is especially valuable because it is responsible for DNA synthesis and is involved in cell division and blood formation. A folic acid deficiency can negatively affect a child’s nervous system, as it prevents the likelihood of birth defects in the brain and neural tube.
2. Vitamin A, which is part of zucchini, contributes to the correct formation of all internal organs of the fetus, and also improves the condition of the hair and nails of the expectant mother.
3. To protect the body from potential viral infections and general immunity support, vitamin C is needed, which is also found in zucchini. It is a powerful antioxidant effective against free radicals. One of its additional purposes is to improve the absorption of all the essential minerals and vitamins.
4. A small amount of sodium and potassium in the squash promotes the timely removal of excess fluid from the body and optimizes the water balance.
5. One of the most important minerals for a pregnant woman is calcium. In a vegetable marrow it is 15 mg per 100 grams. Along with other products rich in this trace element, zucchini will indirectly strengthen the nail plates, teeth and hair. Calcium also protects against potential miscarriage and premature birth.
6. Zucchini also has phosphorus, iron, sodium and magnesium, which are necessary to prevent anemia and seizures.

Useful properties of zucchini

Why pregnant women should pay attention to zucchini: what are their benefits?

1. This is a dietary product, the calorie content of which is from 14 to 24 kcal (depending on grade) per 100 grams.
2. One of the very important features of zucchini for expectant mothers is the removal of stagnant fluid from the body (diuretic). They also soften feces, so that there is no problem with the regularity of the stool.
3. Zucchini is a natural sorbent. It cleanses the blood of harmful salts and cholesterol, is considered an effective tool for the overall strengthening of the immune system.

Harm from zucchini

This is an absolutely safe product, approved for use by any pregnant woman. The only case when they should be abandoned is personal intolerance, but this happens in very rare cases.Zucchini does not cause an allergic reaction (for good reason they are among the products used for the first feeding of the child).

But, despite the rich composition, eating only one zucchini is not worth it. Due to the small amount of protein (0.6 g per 100 grams) they need to be combined with boiled white fish or lean meat.

For women in a position who need to control their weight, nutritionists are advised to stew zucchini with other vegetables (pepper, onions, tomatoes) and eat for dinner.

Zucchini and zucchini: what's the difference?

Along with zucchini, zucchini is also found on supermarket shelves. Many people know that this is a kind of zucchini, but what distinguishes the fruits from each other is a question. What is their difference:

1. First of all, in color. If the peel of a zucchini has a light green hue, then in zucchini it can be green or yellow (varieties with a strip color are found).
2. The size of the two "brothers" is also different. Zucchini is a small fruit that is usually cut off, as soon as its length reaches 13-15 cm. Zucchini is also miniature, but most often it is quite massive and long fruits.
3. They differ in taste. Due to the small size, the zucchini pulp is more juicy and nutritious, so they are good to eat raw, adding to salads. Zucchini is best stewed with other vegetables, especially when it comes to ripe fruits.
4. The peel is another parameter that does not match. In zucchini, it is quite soft and original in taste, and also contains a large percentage of ascorbic acid. In zucchini, it is better to cut it off, because it does not bear either taste or nutritional value.
5. Zucchini also has a lot of seeds that need to be peeled. In zucchini, they are so small that they are almost not felt.
6. As for growing, zucchini ripens faster, but requires more heat and sunlight. He does not tolerate cold weather - if the temperature on the soil drops below +7, then the fetus immediately disappears. Zucchini is more unpretentious - it is not afraid of temperature fluctuations and bears fruit throughout the year (provided that appropriate conditions are created for it).

Rules for selection and storage

The season for ripening zucchini is from May to July. This is the best time to buy them. Preference should be given to young fruits with a slightly rough skin.

To extend the shelf life of zucchini, they must be stored in the refrigerator, without first having washed. It is advisable to use plastic bags for this or put them in special departments designed for vegetables.

During pregnancy, it is definitely worth adding tasty and juicy zucchini or zucchini to your diet. They are perfectly combined with other summer vegetables and provide the woman's body with the optimal amount of mineral salts and fiber.

Video: Health Benefits of Zucchini