Most vegetables are packed with complex carbohydrates, which break down into sugars in your body. This is a slow process, which prevents an unnatural rise in the blood sugar levels, and therefore, they are able to provide a consistent amount of energy throughout the day. They are also a good source of fiber, which helps to clean out the colon, as well as the rest of the digestive tract. All the buildup that hinders the absorption of nutrients can be eliminated from the body by consuming high fiber foods. Once the digestive tract is clean, they can begin to clean the rest of the body at a deep cellular level.
Root vegetables are also a good source of antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals within the body. Free radicals are said to be one of the major factors that contribute to aging. Therefore, root vegetables can potentially help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, premature graying of the hair, as well as prevent many age related diseases.
Beets are fantastic for detoxing and providing antioxidants. They have a unique nutrientscalled betalains (for system cleaning), boron (for boosting sex hormones) and tryptophan (for happiness). They taste great as a pickled side or shredded raw on salads, or try any or all ten of these fantastic beet recipes.
Sweet potato does not only need to appear during the holidays. They are much healthier than potatoes but, of course, boast a sweeter, richer flavor. They are stocked with vitamins B6, C, and E, as well as potassium and magnesium. They are also super versatile in the kitchen and can be used baked, stewed, roasted, fried or even turned into pie.
Carrots are best known for being rich in beta carotene, a compound that may reduce heart disease and certain types of cancer, and Vitamin A, which bolsters vision, bone growth and tooth development.
Has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and lower cholesterol. To read our article on 20 healthy facts about garlic, click here
Americans consume about 20 pounds of onions per capita every year, and it’s no wonder: You get a lot of flavor and health benefit in the 45 calories per onion. They can transform the taste and aroma of casseroles, sautés, salads and sandwiches- just about anything!
High in fiber, vitamin C, and folate, parsnips make a nutrient-rich alternative to the potato when mashed or roasted as a side dish. Their subtly unique sweet flavor comes from frosty temperatures converting the starch in the root vegetable to sugar.
are a cabbage-turnip hybrid. They can be stored in your cupboard for up to three whole months! The big, yellow root vegetables have a stronger, more peppery flavor than their mild-mannered turnip cousins, and have more vitamin A and beta carotene, as well.
Cassava (yucca) is a leading source for calories and carbohydrates in Latin American and African countries. It has a nice nutty flavor and grows well in bad soil as well as through unpredictable droughts. It is a good source of less talked about minerals like zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper and iron. It’s great in stews or as chips.
Ginger is a medicinal wonder root (or rhizome to be more accurate), with health benefits out the wazoo. It fights cancer, eases nausea, decongests, increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation and has been rumored to stop asteroids headed for earth. It can be consumed as tea and in foods.
Turmeric’s medicinal prowess challenges ginger’s. Luckily, the two seem to get along very well (in dishes). It is a very good anti-inflammatory, cancer preventer and brain booster. It also works well as a chai-like tea and is a must-have in Indian cuisine.
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