When it comes to nutrition and health, it’s important to eat a wide variety of plant foods. Eating a variety of plants can help you fight off cancer, high cholesterol, and other ailments. Among the healthiest vegetables are those that are green and leafy. If you’re unsure about what you should eat, seek the advice of your doctor.
Many studies have shown that eating a diet rich in vegetables helps prevent disease. They contain vitamins and minerals that help keep you healthy. In fact, a diet filled with vegetables can also help you lose weight. Vegetables are low in calories, and they offer high-quality nutrition in a small number of servings.
One of the healthiest vegetables to eat is kale. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and K. Kale also has a high fiber content, making it a superfood.
Another great fall vegetable is beets. These colorful root veggies are full of potassium and fiber. Beets can be a standalone veggie, or they can be added to a meal. Their colors are derived from betanin, a natural compound that gives beets their red and pink color.
Red bell peppers are packed with vitamin C. This is one of the most underrated sources of vitamin C. A medium pepper provides 32 calories and 150 percent of the daily value of vitamin C.
Among the cruciferous family, red cabbage is one of the most nutritious vegetables. They contain glucosinolates, phytochemicals that fight off cancer. Members of the Brassica family are also known to be effective in preventing and fighting inflammation. And they provide manganese and folate.
Other nutritious members of the cruciferous family are bok choy and broccoli. Both are excellent sources of vital minerals. Broccoli is especially powerful, as it is a good source of glucosinolates. These compounds can help ward off bladder, prostate, and colon cancer. Likewise, a diet rich in bok choy can help rebalance blood sugar.
Asparagus is another cruciferous vegetable. Its flavor and texture are similar to romaine lettuce, and its leaves are a good source of fiber. Asparagus is a good source of the essential amino acid, glutathione. Glutathione is a major antioxidant in the liver that helps rid the body of toxins.
Carrots are a healthy source of vitamin A. They provide a lot of beta-carotene, which can prevent plaque from forming in the arteries. Additionally, carrots are high in biotin, a B vitamin.
Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C and folate. Roasted and steamed, they are a delicious vegetable. The sprouts also have a high fiber content and are rich in calcium. Some people don’t like the taste of boiled Brussels sprouts, but roasted and sauteed ones are better.
Turnips are another popular fall vegetable. These crunchy vegetables are full of vitamin K and potassium. However, they are higher in carbohydrates than you might expect. Parsnips are an alternative, and they’re very versatile in the kitchen. Just like white carrots, they can be cooked in a variety of ways.
