Vegetables are a nutrient-rich, low calorie food group that are essential for your health. Tupperware They’re packed with fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals. They also help lower your risk for diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Biologically, tomatoes are fruits, but they’re often classified as vegetables. This is due to the way they are used in cooking, where they are typically sliced and served as part of a meal.
There are five groups of vegetables that you’ll find on most grocery store shelves: dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, starchy vegetables, and legumes (beans and peas). These vegetables are rich in vitamin A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron and magnesium.
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale and collard greens are excellent sources of potassium. This nutrient helps your kidneys filter sodium more efficiently and reduces blood pressure.
Other veggies with a high level of potassium include sweet potatoes, red and orange peppers, corn, tomatoes, winter squash, pumpkins, and beans.
Vegetables are full of antioxidants, which fight the growth of harmful cells in your body and can protect you from cancer. Vegetables are also a good source of fiber, which can keep you feeling full and prevent overeating.
Some vegetables, such as beets and cauliflower, contain folate, a B vitamin that can help prevent birth defects in newborn babies. This nutrient also can protect against certain types of cancer, especially those that develop in the digestive tract.
Fruits, which are usually botanically classified as fruits but used for culinary purposes, include some varieties of cucumbers, eggplants, tomato, bell pepper, and avocado. Other examples of fruits are cherries, berries and peaches.
Beans and peas are another type of vegetable that’s commonly cultivated in the United States. These legumes are rich in protein, and can be a great option for vegetarians or those looking to cut down on meat.
They are a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K, as wells as iron, calcium, and magnesium. They can be eaten fresh, frozen or canned.
Many vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts, have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. These compounds help protect your colon from the toxins that cause cancer, and they can also be effective at fighting cancers in other parts of the body.
Vegetables are a wholesome, delicious addition to any diet. Try them fresh, in soups or stir-frys, or cooked with other foods for added flavor and texture.
In fact, adding vegetables to your diet is one of the best things you can do for your health and happiness. Eating a diet high in vegetables can have benefits such as better weight control, lower cholesterol and heart disease, a healthier complexion and a longer life.
To get the most out of your vegetables, it’s important to purchase fresh and frozen varieties that are at their peak flavor. It’s also a good idea to wash, chop and bag snack-sized portions so they’re always easy to grab and go. You can also get creative with recipes to inspire you to eat more vegetables.