Squashes during pregnancy - the benefits and harm

Taking care of a baby during pregnancy is expressed not only by a moderate load, but also by a proper diet. After all, it is the vitamins and minerals that make up these or other products that provide the child with the proper intrauterine development. And especially good seasonal vegetables and fruits with high nutritional value. This category also includes young zucchini, which should be the basis of the summer menu. What is useful in their composition, when they are better not to eat, and how to choose the zucchini?

The unique features of zucchini

Zucchini is a grassy annual, belonging to the Pumpkin family. Its fruit has an oblong shape, soft green color of the skin and pale green, almost white, flesh. There are practically no grains in young zucchini, they are distinguished by a soft, creamy taste.Ripe fruits are tougher and there is no such amount of juice in them.

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

Vitamin composition zucchini

What vitamins are part of the pulp of the nearest "relative" pumpkin:

1. Almost the entire B group is present in the zucchini. Especially in the price is vitamin B9 (folic acid), since it is responsible for DNA synthesis and is involved in the processes of cell division and blood formation. A lack of folic acid can negatively affect the nervous system of the child, since it prevents the likelihood of birth defects of the brain and the neural tube.
2. Vitamin A, a component of zucchini, promotes the proper formation of all the internal organs of the fetus, and also improves the condition of the hair and nails of the future mother.
3. To protect the body from potential viral infections and general immunity support, vitamin C is needed, which is also available in zucchini. It is a powerful antioxidant, effective against free radicals.One of his additional appointments is to improve the absorption of all essential minerals and vitamins.
4. A small amount of sodium and potassium in the composition of zucchini contributes to the timely removal of excess fluid from the body and the optimization of water balance.
5. Calcium is one of the most important minerals for a pregnant woman. In its zucchini 15 mg per 100 grams. Along with other products rich in this trace element, squash will indirectly strengthen the nail plate, teeth and hair. Calcium also protects against potential miscarriage and premature labor.
6. Zucchini also contains 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 advantages?

1. This is a dietary product, the caloric content of which is from 14 to 24 kcal (depending on the variety) per 100 grams.
2. One of the very important features of zucchini for future mothers is the removal of stagnant fluid from the body (diuretic). They also soften the stool, so that there are no problems with regular stool.
3. Squash is a natural sorbent.It purifies 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, allowed for use by any pregnant woman. The only case when they should be abandoned is personal intolerance, but this happens in very rare cases. Squashes do 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, eat only some 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.

Women in position who need to control their weight, nutritionists advise to stew zucchini with other vegetables (peppers, onions, tomatoes) and eat for dinner.

Courgettes and zucchini: what is the difference?

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

1. First of all - in color. If the skin of the zucchini has a light green tint, then in the zucchini it may be green or yellow (there are varieties with a striped color).
2. The size of the two "brothers" is also different.Zucchini is a small fruit, which is usually cut off, as soon as it reaches 13-15 cm. Zucchini are also miniature, but most often it is quite massive and long fruit.
3. They differ in taste. Due to the small size, the zucchini flesh is more juicy and nutritious, so it’s good to eat them raw, adding to salads. Zucchini better stew with other vegetables, especially when it comes to ripe fruit.
4. Peel is another parameter that does not match. In zucchini, it is quite soft and original in taste, besides it contains a large percentage of ascorbic acid. In zucchini it is better to cut it, since it does not carry 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 fruit 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).

Selection and storage rules

The season of ripening zucchini - 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 need to be stored in the refrigerator, without having previously washed out. It is advisable to use for this plastic bags or put them in special departments for vegetables.

During pregnancy it is definitely worth adding to your diet tasty and juicy zucchini or zucchini. 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