It is a universal truth that eating vegetables is healthy. Tossing it into your dinner adds a little spice and crunch, but it also has health benefits that can contribute to your overall wellness. But do you know what the advantages and nutrients offered by your favorite leafy greens are? Here are the five healthiest vegetables you should be eating.
Spinach
Leafy green spinach is on the top of the list of healthiest vegetables. This is because it is packed with many nutritional benefits. A 30-gram cup of spinach can provide 56% of your daily dose of Vitamin A. You can also get your potassium for just seven calories of spinach.
Aside from that, other health benefits offered by spinach is that it can also prevent the risk of other chronic diseases and lower blood pressure. This is because of its antioxidant contents. Antioxidants found in the dark leafy greens include lutein, which improves eyesight and prevents cancer.
Kale
When you make that salad, don't forget to toss in that kale because it's healthy and boasts of nutrient contents. They have potassium, calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. So, you're pretty much set on the healthy track by including kale in your diet.
Because of its antioxidants, kale also improves the overall health condition of your heart. So if you have high blood pressure, you can down on that salad. For a different take, you can also opt for kale juice.
It also fulfills your entire daily needs for potassium and vitamins A and C.
Due to its high amount of antioxidants, kale may also be beneficial in promoting heart health and can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Green peas
If you don't like peas, then it's high time you start loving them! As a starchy vegetable, peas can also be your good source of carbohydrates. However, make sure you eat them in moderation or proper portions as they also have high-calorie content.
But aside from that, peas are a great source of fiber and proteins which maintain your digestive system healthy and build body tissues, respectively.
You can also reduce the risk of cancer because peas contain saponins compounds that help fight cancer cells.
Carrots
For essential vision and an optimal immune system, you should munch on those carrots. The daily recommendation of one cup of carrots is enough to provide you 428% of Vitamin A.
Consuming carrots also contain beta-carotene, which is responsible for producing Vitamin A. Aside from good eyesight, carrots can also make your skin glow.
Antioxidants are also present in carrots. The chances of lung and prostate cancer can be reduced, thanks to the nutrients profile of carrots.
Broccoli
To finish off this list of the healthiest vegetables, make sure to add broccoli in your diet. As a member of the cruciferous family, broccoli is rich in phytonutrients, which help lower inflammation. The plant-based compound can also reduce the chances of cancer.
Other benefits offered by broccoli is a plant compound named as glucosinolate which can ward off bacterial and fungal infection in your body.
A diet with broccoli in it can also improve your heart health, thanks to its sulforaphane content.
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