See Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy recipe. When it comes to cooking, a little know-how can take you a long way and help you create an unending range of innovative foods, such as Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy. Here, look at how red capsicum lends itself to prepare a delectable gravy that is not only flavourful but healthy too, being rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and E. Adding broccoli, baby corn and zucchini imparts an exotic international touch to this subzi.

Is Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy healthy?

No, this is not healthy. Let's see why.

Yes, this is healthy. But restrictions apply to some.

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

1. Broccoli : Broccoli is loaded with beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A once it is inside the body. Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision. It is a good source of Vitamin C which boosts the immune system and fights off cancers, heart disease and protects the body from free radical damage. Broccoli is a good source of folate and good for pregnant women. See here for 13 amazing benefits of broccoli.

2. Capsicum (Bell Peppers) : Rich in vitamin C, capsicum protect and maintain the lining of the heart. Colourful capsicums are not only visually appealing but also good for your eyes too, as they contain antioxidant Lutein, which protects the eye from cataracts and degeneration of the eye. Capsicum is high in Folate or folic acid, which is important for rapid growth and multiplication of red blood cells and white blood cells in the bone marrow. See detailed benefits of capsicum. 

3. Onions (pyaz, kanda) :  Raw onions are a very valuable source of vitamin C – the immune building vitamin. Along with other phytonutrients from onions, it helps to build WBC (white blood cells) which serves as a line of defence against illness. Yes, it’s a source of many antioxidants, the most important one amongst them being Quercetin. The quercetin which promotes production of HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers total cholesterol in the body. The sulphur in onions act as a blood thinner and prevents blood clotting too. This in turn would lower blood pressure and good for heart,  diabetics. Read the benefits of onions.

4. Olive Oil : Olive oil is a strong antioxidant and good for heart. Also its has anti inflammation properties. This is one of the healthiest oil you can opt for. It has around 77% of MUFA. Olive oil, especially the extra virgin olive oil, is unrefined oil in its natural state and free of chemicals. Moreover, olive oil also possess polyphenols – a type of antioxidant which protects body cells and maintains heart health as well. Popular in Mediterranean cooking, this oil works best for salad dressings or quick sautéing recipes. They cannot be used for prolonged cooking at high temperatures.Note that its a fat at the end of the day so don't consume too much. Read the super article of  which oil is the healthiest avoid vegetable oil. 

5. Baby Corn : Since baby corn are picked much before the maturing stage, they hold a lower starch content. ½ cup baby corn adds in only 6.7 g of carbs, which is relatively low.  Baby corn acts as a broom and helps maintain healthy bowels and avoid constipation.  Baby corn is a good source of fiber. Keep an eye on the portion size always for  diabetics, that’s very important to have controlled amount of starch per day. Those with cardiac problems have no reason to avoid baby corn. The soluble fiber in baby corn can help in reducing cholesterol levels. See detailed benefits of baby corn.

6. Zucchini : Zucchini, as a matter of fact, is a water-filled low calorie vegetable which is sure to keep you full for long time. It can be considered as a low carb, non-starchy vegetable which can be a healthy addition to weight loss diets and low carb diets. Zucchini, like apple and pear, are rich in fiber pectin. This is a polysaccharide responsible for lowering cholesterol and keeping your arteries free of plaque.  Zucchini’s water content plays the major role here. The high water content is necessary to bind stools and enhance its easy movement through the digestive tract. This is the same reason why zucchini is suggested for digestive ailments like constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut syndrome. Managing blood sugar well needs high fiber and less carbs. Zucchini fulfils both these criteria. See detailed benefits of Zucchini. 

What's the problem?

Sugar : Sugar is also called white poison. It is a simple carbohydrate with zero nutritional value. On intake, sugar will cause inflammation of the body which will last for many hours. It will spike your blood sugar level and shut down the fat burning process. This also causes high blood sugar levels in your body. The development of prediabetes comes from uncontrolled eating sugar and refined food products for many years and the classic symptom is if you have excess belly fat. This leads to diabetes and further onwards to heart attack, high blood pressure, strokes, impotence and kidney damage. To live a healthy life, try and cut sugar which from your diet. It requires a slow and deliberate attempt to do it. Find hidden sugar in packaged foods and drinks and stop having those products. Did you know that a can of your favourite soft drink is estimated to have 1/2 cup of sugar. Refinded carbohydrates like maida, sugar, bread, pasta, noodles and sugar on consumption get stored as unhealthy fat in the body. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy?

Yes, this recipe is good for diabetics, heart and weight loss BUT for diabetics cut the baby corn quantity by 50%. Also a little sugar is used in the recipe and drop that. The soluble fiber in baby corn can help in reducing cholesterol levels. Zucchini, like apple and pear, are rich in fiber pectin. This is a polysaccharide responsible for lowering cholesterol and keeping your arteries free of plaque. Olive oil is a strong antioxidant and good for heart. Also its has anti inflammation properties. This is one of the healthiest oil you can opt for.

Can healthy individuals have Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy?

Yes.

Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy is high in

1. Vitamin C :  Vitamin C is a great defence against coughs and colds.

2. Vitamin B1 : Vitamin B1 protects nerves, helps in carbohydrate metabolism, prevents heart diseases and helps produce red blood cells. 

Note : a recipe is deemed high in a Vitamin or mineral if it meets 20% and above the recommended daily allowance based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

How to burn 82 calories that come from Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy?

Walking (6 kmph) = 25 mins

Running (11 kmph) = 8 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) = 11 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) = 14 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.