Vegetables! You know they’re good for you, but which ones are the best? We did some garden digging and found out. Here are nine veggies you definitely should be eating.
9) Romaine and Leaf Lettuce
Lots of sources encourage us to go for “dark, leafy greens”. This is because colour is a good indicator of nutritional value. Dark greens like romaine and leaf lettuce pack way more iron than lighter coloured iceberg lettuce which is mostly water. So lay some leaf on your next sandwich and pump that iron!
8) Bell peppers
Brightness is another colour factor to take into consideration when choosing veggies. The bright orange and red colour of bell peppers tells you that they are loaded with vitamin C. They’re also a good source of fiber. Oh, and they’re delicious.
7) Peas
P is for protein and peas are for protein! In the pod or out of the pod, green peas pack a lot of protein. We often overlook the fact that peas are actually seeds and most seeds are full of protein. If green peas are too sweet for you, try chic peas, yellow split peas, or black eyed peas.
6) Broccoli
Move over, milk. Broccoli’s got this. Broccoli packs about half the calcium of an equal amount of milk without all the added hormones and antibiotics found in some dairy products. It’s great for lactose intolerant people and vegan diets, and it’s so versatile. Great for dipping in hummus or adding to a stir fry for extra crunch.
5) Cucumber
Hydration is important so why not eat juicy foods? Cucumbers are almost entirely water and their tough, durable outside makes them the perfect snack to take on a hike or to the beach. And cucumbers aren’t just for salads. They are the main ingredient in tzatziki, they add freshness to hors d’oeuvres, and you can even put them in soup. Cool!
4) Red Onions
Red onions are full of minerals including magnesium, folate, and potassium. They’re also a good source of fiber, not to mention a good source of flavour. Use them as the base for almost any savoury sauce, soup, or stew and reap the tasty benefits.
3) Asparagus
Mention asparagus in a group and someone is bound to say “asparagus makes your pee smell bad”. Newsflash: pee already smells bad. And the health benefits of asparagus are off the charts. This Incredible Hulk of grass is full of antioxidants, vitamins, E, A, C, and K, and folate. It’s also regarded as a fancy food, yet very simple to prepare. Roast it with some nuts, roll it up in prosciutto, brush it with garlic oil and barbecue it, the possibilities are endless.
2) Carrots
Carrots are often used as the poster child of vegetables and for good reason. This old staple of the produce aisle is high in vitamin A which is vital in maintaining healthy eyes. So when you were a kid and your parents told you that eating your carrots would make you see in the dark…well, they were exaggerating. But carrots do keep your eyesight sharp in the daylight.
1) Radishes
It doesn’t take much radish to add kick to your meal, but that’s no reason to hold back. Spicy radishes are full of vitamin C and some studies have even shown them to be helpful in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
In conclusion…it’s never too late to start making vegetables a staple in your diet. And with so many tasty options available, eating your veggies is as easy as a walk in the garden!