Sneak Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch — But Not All of It!

If you are an avid gardener who grows zucchini, you know that vines go wild and produce hundreds of tiny squash during this time of year. Zucchini grows rapidly — up to two inches per day. It is best to harvest them at about six inches when they are most tender and flavorful and to prevent picking hundreds of bland gargantuan zucchinis toward the end of the season.

In hindsight, it is because of this delicious fruit’s fast-growing nature that Tom Roy appointed August 8 as National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. Although, since the fruit keeps growing, it has become a month-long activity in neighborly communities.

What is National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day?

To take part in this special event, wait until the dead of night. Then, quietly creep up to your neighbors’ front doors, leaving plenty of zucchini for them to enjoy. It is a way to rid of the avalanche of long, green squash this time of year.

But wait! Don’t forget to save some for your family, too. Because according to scientific studies, there are many reasons to eat this nutrient-dense summer squash.

What are the Benefits of Zucchini?

Zucchini has innumerable benefits, and below are three evidence-based health advantages.

1. Rich in a Myriad of Different Nutrients

Zucchini, sometimes called courgette, is an abundant source of several vitamins, minerals, and other healthy plant compounds. In fact, the USDA remarks that 223 grams (one cup) of cooked zucchini provides:

• Calories: 17
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 1 gram
• Vitamin A: 40% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
• Vitamin B6: 7% of the RDI
• Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 9% of the RDI
• Potassium: 13% of the RDI
• Manganese: 16% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 10% of the RDI
• Copper: 8% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 7% of the RDI
• Folate: 8% of the RDI
• Thiamine: 5% of the RDI

Zucchini also has small amounts of calcium, zinc, iron, and various B vitamins.

In particular, its generous vitamin A content may support your immune system and vision. 

2. High in Disease-Preventing Antioxidants

Antioxidants are beneficial plant compounds that play a role in protecting your body from damage by free radicals. Carotenoids — such as lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin — are examples of antioxidants in zucchini.

As such, adding zucchini to your diet may contribute to your skin, eyes, and heart’s health. It may also offer protection against certain forms of cancer, such as prostate cancer in men.

3. Fosters Healthy Digestion

The nutritious zucchini may promote healthy digestion in a number of ways. For one, it is rich in water, which can help soften stools and prevent constipation.

Zucchini likewise contains two types of fiber; soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber adds body to stools and allows food to move through your gut with ease. Soluble fiber, on the other, feeds the friendly bacteria in your stomach. In turn, these bacteria create short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that support your gut cells for improved digestion. SCFAs may also help minimize inflammation and symptoms of specific gut disorders, including ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease.

Takeaway

Zucchini benefits your health in ways many fruits and vegetables can’t do alone. So, aim to add more to your daily meals, and stop trying to get rid of them!