Zucchini offers bang for your bite

The summer fruit has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties

- Alexandra Pattillo

With its mild flavour and high water content, zucchini may not seem like a nutritional standout. But the summer fruit — yes, it is a fruit - can help lower inflammation, support clearer vision and promote metabolic health.

Here is a look at what zucchini has to offer.

IT CONTAINS POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS

For centuries, zucchini has been used in traditional medicine because of its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Today, scientists link these benefits to the antioxidants in zucchini, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect cells from free radical damage and enhance immune function.

Half a medium zucchini contains about 15mg of vitamin C, which is nearly 20 per cent of the daily recommended amount for adults.

Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are also carotenoids, pigments that give zucchini its bright green skin.

Carotenoids helps regulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, said Dr Taylor Wallace, a food scientist and adjunct clinical associate professor at George Washington University.