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Monday, 14 July 2025

Zucchini / Courgettes Are Diabetic Friendly : Questions and Answers

Some call them courgettes, while others know them as zucchini ... but did you know this vegetable is a great low calorie, low carb option to include as a regular food choice in a diabetic diet. (Of course can be enjoyed by non-diabetics too.)

"Can a diabetic eat Zucchini or Courgette?

Yes. A diabetic can indeed eat zucchini or courgette. Experts say there are many benefits of including zucchini in a diabetic diet. Being low in calories and high in nutrition, zucchini or courgette is sometimes a super food for diabetics. Vitamin B is abundant in courgette. Zucchini is also rich in fibre and is a great food for diabetics.

What nutrients, vitamins and minerals are in courgette?

Courgettes contain protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, thiamine, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, copper, niacin, fibre,

Are courgettes low in carbs?

Yes, courgettes have around 3 gm of carbs per serving which is low.

Does zucchini raise blood sugar?

Courgettes have a low glycaemic index (GI) and so will not cause huge changes in blood sugar levels. Zucchini contains beneficial antioxidants that may help lower blood sugar or insulin levels. Diabetics find it hard to regulate blood sugar levels due to metabolic issues. Hence, zucchini is helpful in regulating blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics.

Why are courgettes healthful? Why can a diabetic eat zucchini or courgette?

Some experts consider zucchini a super food. But why? To begin with, courgettes are low in calories and carbs and rich in water. This makes them a favourite food for anyone on a diet.

Zucchini does have reasonable levels of vitamin C which can boost immunity and potassium that can control blood pressure. Experts say including more potassium and less sodium in diet can significantly reduce your risk of stroke or heart attack.

Courgettes are also rich in vitamin A, folate and fibre. All these nutrients can help in keeping heart healthy. Thus, eating courgette regularly can boost your heart health and lower the risk of stroke, regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels.

Thus, eating courgettes every day may be a very good idea.

Does courgette help to lose weight?

Courgettes are really low in carbs and calories. That in itself is great for weight loss. Moreover, zucchini has plenty of water and fibre in it. Water in zucchini keeps you full for longer and makes you feel less hungry. This too helps with weight loss. So courgettes are very easy on your belly fat with just around 2gm of carbs and less than 1 gm of fat per 100 gm."
Words above from article here

* post edit, please refer to comments section regarding
not to eat bitter tasting courgettes *

Do you like eating zucchini/courgettes? They are certainly in my menu plans.

Related Posts
Diabetic Friendly Courgette / Zucchini Recipes, see here
Some clever courgette / zucchini tips, see here


You will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, something for everyone to read and enjoy. Please note, not all may be suitable for you.

If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your doctor / local health care provider.

Please be aware that all articles within this blog are provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

All the best Jan

16 comments:

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Thank you for sharing all the goodness in zucchini! I know they’re so versatile for so many recipes.

Tom said...

...and they are plentiful now.

Bijoux said...

I love that they can be used in both sweet or savory recipes.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Hi Jan, thank you for sharing this. I absolutely love zucchini!

contempladoraocidental.blogspot.com said...

I even like them raw.

Chatty Crone said...

I love courgettes - didn't know that was another name for zucchini!

peppylady (Dora) said...

I never heard of un-healthy veggies.

Angie's Recipes said...

A very versatile vegetable!

Iris Flavia said...

And I know what to cook tomorrow, thank you!

Margaret D said...

Interesting to read. I often make a zucchini slice.

jabblog said...

I love courgettes - small ones sliced in salad, or lightly air-fried as a side vegetable - soft and buttery.

Jutta.K. said...

Guten Morgen, ich liebe dieses Gemüse, allerdings sollte man nicht übersehen, dass man vorher einen Geschmackstest bei der rohen Zucchini mache sollte. Denn sollte sie bitter schmecken ist es ratsam sie nicht zu verwerten, denn dann enthalten sie giftige Stoffe, die gefährlich werden können ! Und dann schmecken sie ja auch nicht mehr gut ;-)
♥lichst Jutta

roentare said...

I love zucchini but it contains so much water that it is hard to cook with it

Lowcarb team member said...

GOOGLE TRANSLATE

Jutta.K.
Guten Morgen, ich liebe dieses Gemüse, allerdings sollte man nicht übersehen, dass man vorher einen Geschmackstest bei der rohen Zucchini mache sollte. Denn sollte sie bitter schmecken ist es ratsam sie nicht zu verwerten, denn dann enthalten sie giftige Stoffe, die gefährlich werden können ! Und dann schmecken sie ja auch nicht mehr gut ;-)
♥lichst Jutta

Good morning, I love this vegetable, but it's important to remember to taste test the raw zucchini first. If it tastes bitter, it's best not to use it, as it contains toxic substances that can be dangerous! And then it won't taste good either ;-)
♥Best, Jutta

Lowcarb team member said...

REPLY TO
Jutta.K.

Many thanks for your comment, especially regarding if a courgette / zucchini tastes bitter it is best not to use it.

Yes, this is good advice.
A bitter Courgette is a rare occurrence. However, if you do ingest one, this can lead to symptoms such as nausea and stomach cramps, so if you encounter a zucchini with a bitter taste, it is best to discard it to avoid any potential discomfort.
Read more here:-
https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/zucchini-side-effects

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

REPLY TO
Jutta. K.
Vielen Dank für Ihren Kommentar, insbesondere zum Thema bitter schmeckende Zucchini. Verwenden Sie sie besser nicht.

Ja, das ist ein guter Tipp.
Eine bittere Zucchini kommt selten vor. Der Verzehr kann jedoch zu Symptomen wie Übelkeit und Magenkrämpfen führen. Sollten Sie also eine Zucchini mit bitterem Geschmack finden, entsorgen Sie sie am besten, um mögliche Beschwerden zu vermeiden.
Weitere Informationen finden Sie hier:
https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/zucchini-side-effects

Alles Gute, Jan