Must-Have Veggies
Veggies are an important part of everyone's diet. They contain dozens of
important nutrients and have loads of dietary fiber. And just by getting your
daily quota of five to nine servings, you help build your body's immunity to
things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. So what are the top veggies you
should be eating to boost your disease-fighting potential? Read on to find out.
Tomatoes
Though technically a fruit, tomatoes are most often served like a
vegetable. Full of lycopene, these beautiful red orbs (and all
tomato-based products) are renowned for their cancer-fighting capabilities. Not
only are they chock full of vitaminy goodness (from vitamins A to K), they also
keep our blood pressure in check and help to reduce the number of free radicals
in our bodies.
Broccoli
Few foods measure up to the disease-fighting potential of broccoli. This
cruciferous veg is packed with antioxidants that help reduce the risk of
stomach, lung and rectal cancers. And because broccoli is rich in
beta-carotene, vitamin C and folate, it is also good at boosting your immunity
to colds and flus.
Brussels sprouts
These little green veggies
are especially important for pregnant woman because they're packed with folic acid,
a B-vitamin that prevents neural tube defects. Brussels sprouts are also packed
with vitamins C and K as well as fiber, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Carrots
These orange-wonders are
loaded with eye, skin and hair-enriching nutrients. They're also the richest
vegetable source of some important antioxidants, like vitamin A. And because
they're rich in vitamin C, carrots protect your cardiovascular system from
damage.
Squash
A good source of
anti-inflammatory nutrients like vitamin C and beta-carotene, squash,
especially summer squash, can help treat dozens of conditions including asthma,
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Squash is also rich in potassium,
magnesium and fiber.
Sweet potato
This root vegetable has
dozens of anti-cancer nutrients like vitamin A, C and manganese. They're also a
good source of fiber and iron, so not only do they give you energy, they can
also help regulate your digestive system.
Eggplant
High in heart healthy
nutrients, eggplants are rich in antioxidants like nasunin (a unique compound
that protects your brain cells from damage). And because eggplants are loaded
with fiber and potassium, researchers believe they may reduce your risk of
stroke and dementia.
Bell Peppers
Whether you prefer red,
orange or yellow, bell peppers are packed with dozens of heart-healthy
nutrients like lycopene and folic acid. And recent research suggests digging
into a pepper every day may lower your risk of developing lung, colon, bladder
and pancreatic cancers.
Spinach
This chlorophyll-packed
type of produce is an excellent source of almost every vitamin and nutrient you
need. Scientists believe a diet heavy in spinach may be able to prevent
everything from heart disease to colon cancer, and arthritis to osteoporosis.
Onions
These pungent smelling
veggies are particularly good for people suffering from (or at risk of
developing) osteoporosis. That's because onions are loaded with a peptide
called GPCS which scientists believe slows your body's loss of calcium. Onions
may also be useful in the fight against heart disease and diabetes because
they're loaded with vitamin C and folate.
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