This public account is followed by the Yunnan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine “Yunnan Traditional Chinese Medicine”.
Zucchini is affordable and nutritious, making it a “regular” on many family dining tables, especially in the Beijing-Tianjin area, where it is eaten in various ways from the beginning of summer to late autumn without getting tiresome.
However, aside from its delicious taste, many people are unaware of its unique benefit—weight loss!
It is commonly consumed in summer to “reduce fat”.
From a nutritional perspective, zucchini is a low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable.
So, how low is its calorie content? It has been calculated that 100 grams of zucchini contains only 19 kilocalories.
This means that the entire calorie content of one zucchini is equivalent to that of one slice of pork belly.
Moreover, it is rich in dietary fiber, which can speed up intestinal movement, absorb excess grease, and promote bowel movements.
Additionally, zucchini has a high water content, allowing it to maintain a feeling of fullness for extended periods, which is very helpful for overweight individuals in controlling their appetite.
Furthermore, zucchini has the following benefits:
1. Protecting eyesight
Zucchini is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that can prevent eye diseases like macular degeneration.
It is also a good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which can improve eye health and protect against infections.
2. Moistening lungs and clearing heat
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, zucchini has the effect of relieving irritability and thirst, moistening the lungs and stopping coughs, clearing heat, promoting urination, and reducing swelling.
3. Diuretic and hydrating
Zucchini has a water content as high as 95%, which helps with hydration. Additionally, it is rich in potassium, which has diuretic properties and aids in sodium excretion.
4. Assisting in lowering blood sugar
Compounds found in zucchini such as citrulline, adenine, and aspartic acid can promote the secretion of insulin, helping to control blood sugar levels.
How to eat zucchini?
◆ Garlic Steamed Zucchini
Ingredients: 1 zucchini, half a head of garlic, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Method:
1. Mince the garlic, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to make a sauce and set aside.
2. Wash the zucchini, cut it in half, and then slice it into half-centimeter thick pieces, arranging them neatly on a steaming tray.
3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the zucchini.
4. Cover the steaming tray with plastic wrap, poke holes with a toothpick for ventilation, steam in a pot with cold water, and once boiling, steam on high for 10 to 15 minutes.
Note: It is suggested to prepare the sauce in advance to allow the garlic flavor to fully develop.
◆ Zucchini Pancake with Eggs
Ingredients: 1 zucchini, a small handful of green onions, salt, MSG, and starch as needed.
Method:
1. Clean and slice the zucchini, and sprinkle a little salt on it to marinate for about 10 minutes until it releases water.
2. Rinse the marinated zucchini under clean water twice to remove the salt, and then drain the water.
3. In a bowl, beat 3 eggs, then add the zucchini, salt, MSG, chopped green onions, and a little wet starch, mixing well.
4. Heat a pan, add an appropriate amount of oil, pour in the zucchini-egg mixture, and fry one side first, then flip to fry the other side until both are golden brown.
Note: After marinating the zucchini with salt, it must be rinsed and drained to enhance the texture. Cook on low heat throughout, and avoid flipping too often; wait until it sets before flipping.
