Most people don’t give much thought to the possible health benefits of what they eat, especially when it comes to vegetables. Either way, vegetables are packed with nutrients and are a great addition to almost any meal or snack.
By now it should be a well-known fact that we should eat lots of fruits and vegetables, almost all vegetables have some benefits, but some more than others. Some people get stuck in a rut of eating the same popular choices over and over in an effort to get a nutrition boost, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Explore and use the saying “eat the rainbow” to enjoy the variety that healthy eating has to offer.
- Potatoes can take a beating, but that may be mostly due to the toppings added to them. Without the butter and sour cream, the shreds contain about 7 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, plus a substantial amount of potassium and vitamins B6 and C.
- snow peas contain 5 grams of protein per cup, 2 mg of iron, and they are a good source of vitamins A and C. They make a great addition to salads, stir-fries are a quick raw snack.
- Mushrooms are loaded with anti-aging potential and they contain protein, fiber, B vitamins, are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D and go great with just about any dish.
- Corn is not a guilty pleasure, yes it has about 6 grams of natural sugar but that’s about a third of what you find in apples. Corn also contains about 4 grams of protein and is a good source of lutein, zeaxanthin, insoluble fiber, iron, potassium, and B vitamins.
- Artichokes have many nutritional benefits, in addition to approximately 3.5 grams of protein, they contain folate, dietary fiber, as well as vitamins C and K, and they are listed as one of the top 20 foods rich in antioxidants according to the USDA.
- Lightly cooked fresh green peas are healthy, although not as healthy as some other legumes. Despite the antinutrientsthey contain they have a relatively low glycemic index and are loaded with protein, fiber, iron, vitamins A, C and K as well as other nutrients.
- Carrots are best known for the amount of vitamin A they contain, which is about 428% of the recommended daily value in just one cup. They are also rich in vitamins C, K and potassium which have been associated with reduced risk of prostate and lung cancer.
While “eating the rainbow”, don’t forget the cauliflower which contains fiber, vitamins B6, K, potassium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus; a single cup contains 77% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, explore the different tastes and textures vegetables have to offer. This list might go on for a few pages and then include broccoli and many other underrated vegetables that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants among other compounds beneficial to your health and well-being.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice. please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine.
This article is not intended to provide medical diagnosis, advice, treatment, or endorsement.
