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October 26, 2023
September 19, 2024
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Zucchinis, often recognized for their versatility in various cuisines, also offer significant health benefits, particularly for individuals concerned about their blood sugar levels. Despite their mild sweetness and carbohydrate content, zucchinis boast a notably low glycemic index, making them a favorable option for individuals managing diabetes or seeking to control their blood sugar levels. 

Rich in essential nutrients like magnesium and fiber, zucchini is crucial in promoting digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels, offering a holistic approach to managing type 2 diabetes. A single cup of chopped zucchini contains merely 3.5 grams of carbohydrates, further solidifying its status as a diabetes-friendly vegetable.¹ 

This comprehensive analysis will delve into the intricate details of the zucchini glycemic index, shedding light on how this vegetable can be a valuable addition to a diabetic-friendly diet and providing insights into its various health benefits beyond its impact on blood sugar levels.

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Glycemic Index Table

Based on the given serving size of zucchini (100g), the calculation of the Glycemic Index (GI), Carbohydrate per Serving, and Glycemic Load (GL) can be as follows:

1. Glycemic Index (GI): Zucchini is considered to have a low glycemic index due to its low carbohydrate content. The absence of significant quantities of starch and sugars in zucchini contributes to its low glycemic impact, making it suitable for those aiming to manage their blood sugar levels.

2. Carbohydrate per Serving (g): According to the USDA Food Data Central, 100 grams of zucchini contains approximately 3.1 grams of carbohydrates, emphasizing its status as a low-carb vegetable. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those following a low-carbohydrate diet to effectively manage their blood sugar levels.

3. Glycemic Load (GL) per Serving: The Glycemic Load of zucchini is determined by multiplying the Glycemic Index by the Carbohydrate per Serving and dividing the product by 100. With the glycemic index of zucchini being 15, the glycemic load is 1.²

Cooking methods, such as boiling or steaming, generally do not significantly impact the glycemic index of zucchini. However, prolonged cooking times or high-temperature cooking methods might slightly raise the glycemic load by making the carbohydrates more accessible. Nevertheless, zucchini remains an excellent choice for individuals aiming to maintain stable blood sugar levels due to its overall low carbohydrate content and potential positive effects on managing diabetes.

Glycemic Index

15

Serving Size

100g

Carbohydrate* per Serving (g)

3.1 g

GL per Serving

1.00

Nutritional Facts

Zucchini is a highly nutritious vegetable that offers a range of health benefits. It is notably low in calories, making it a favorable option for those seeking to manage their weight. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, contributing to its role in supporting immune function and promoting overall well-being.¹

Zucchini is a rich source of various nutrients, with 100 grams of raw zucchini containing approximately 16 calories, 1.21 grams of protein, 3.1 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 1.7 grams of sugars.¹ Furthermore, it provides essential vitamins and minerals, including 17 milligrams of vitamin C, 200 international units of vitamin A, and 261 milligrams of potassium.

The nutritional information below is for 100 g of zucchini.¹

Calories

16 kcal

Carbs

3.1 g

Protein

1.21 g

Fiber

1 g

Cholesterol

0 mg

Vitamins

A (10 µg), B12 (0 µg), B6 (0.16 mg), C (17.0 mg).

Sodium

8 mg

Total Fat

0.32 g

Is Zucchini Good for Weight Loss?

Zucchini is widely recognized as a beneficial addition to a weight loss diet due to its low calorie and high water content, making it a satisfying and filling option that can aid in reducing overall calorie intake. Additionally, its fiber content promotes satiety and helps regulate digestion, further supporting weight management efforts. The high nutrient density of zucchini and its versatility in various low-calorie and nutritious recipes make it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to achieve their weight loss goals.

Is Zucchini Safe for People Living with Diabetes?

Zucchini can be considered a safe and beneficial addition to the diets of individuals with diabetes. Due to its low carbohydrate content and minimal impact on blood sugar levels, zucchini can be a valuable component of a diabetic-friendly diet. Furthermore, its rich fiber content aids in regulating blood sugar levels and improving overall digestive health. The American Diabetes Association recommends incorporating non-starchy vegetables like zucchini into meal plans for individuals managing diabetes, as they can contribute to better glycemic control and overall well-being.

By incorporating zucchini into diabetic meal plans, individuals can benefit from its nutrient-rich profile and potential role in supporting a balanced diet for improved diabetes management.

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Allergies

Allergies to zucchini are relatively uncommon but can occur, particularly in individuals with sensitivities to other members of the Cucurbitaceae family, such as melons or cucumbers. Symptoms of a zucchini allergy may include oral allergy syndrome, which can manifest as itching or swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as gastrointestinal disturbances.3 However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance if any adverse reactions are experienced after consuming zucchini.³

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FAQs

What is Glycemic Index?

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels compared to a reference food, usually glucose. It ranks foods on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating a faster rise in blood sugar. The glycemic index (GI) scale is typically categorized as follows: Low GI [55 or less], Medium GI [56-69], High GI [70 or higher]. Foods with a high glycemic index digest rapidly and can cause dramatic fluctuations in blood glucose or glucose spikes.

What is Glycemic Load?

Glycemic load (GL) takes into account both the quality (glycemic index) and quantity (carbohydrate content) of carbohydrates in a specific serving of food. It is a measure of how much a particular food will raise blood sugar levels. GL is calculated by multiplying the glycemic index of a food by its carbohydrate content and dividing it by 100. It provides a more accurate representation of the overall impact of a food on blood sugar compared to the glycemic index alone.

Does Zucchini Spike Insulin?

No, zucchini does not spike insulin. Zucchini is a low-carbohydrate vegetable that contains fiber and water, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes. It is a healthy food choice for people with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Is Zucchini Low Glycemic?

Yes, zucchini is considered a low glycemic food as it has a glycemic index of 15.

Can People Living with Diabetes Eat Zucchini?

Yes, people living with diabetes can eat zucchini as it is a low-carbohydrate vegetable that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, it is important to monitor portion sizes and overall carbohydrate intake.

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References

  1. USDA FoodData Central. (2019, April 1). Food Details - Squash, zucchini, baby, raw. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168565/nutrients
  2. The University of Sydney. (2023, May 1). Glycemic Index – Glycemic Index Research and GI Newshttps://glycemicindex.com/
  3. American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. (2020, September 28). Oral allergy syndrome. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/oral-allergy-syndrome-(oas) 

About the author

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.

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About the author

Brittany Barry is a national board-certified health coach and NASM-certified personal trainer based in South Carolina.

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Please note: The Signos team is committed to sharing insightful and actionable health articles that are backed by scientific research, supported by expert reviews, and vetted by experienced health editors. The Signos blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Read more about our editorial process and content philosophy here.

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