To Your Health
September, 2024 (Vol. 18, Issue 09) |
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3 Great Veggies
By Editorial Staff
If you don't know by now that vegetables are a dietary cornerstone of optimal health, it's high time for a lesson in what veggies can do to improve just about every aspect of your mental and physical health.
Vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, and are packed with vital nutrients and other compounds that not only help the body function, but also play a significant role in disease prevention – including heart disease and some forms of cancer? Here are three (of many) to include in your daily diet:
- Broccoli: Known as a cruciferous vegetable (other veggies in this family include cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts and cabbage), broccoli is rich in antioxidants and plant compounds essential for disease prevention; thus, its classification as a superfood. Broccoli is also high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium.
- Sweet potatoes: Although sweet potatoes do contain sugar, unlike most veggies (approximately six grams of natural sugar per cup) and are considered starchy root vegetables, they have more fiber than white potatoes, along with a lower glycemic index (meaning they have a less-immediate impact on blood sugar). They are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that support eye, digestive and heart health. The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes also helps reduce inflammation.
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Garlic: A member of the onion family, garlic has potent health benefits, including helping reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, treating respiratory infections, and optimizing immune function. Allicin, the principal bioactive compound in garlic, is produced when garlic is chopped or crushed; and diluted when cooked. Garlic has numerous sulfuric compounds that benefit heart and immune health.
We all want to age well, which means staying healthy and disease-free. Vegetables are a great place to start! After all, if you've heard of Blue Zone populations – demographics with high concentrations of people who live to age 100 or above, you'll notice they all have one thing in common: lots of veggies in their daily diet.
