Vegetables are important part of a healthy diet, and consuming a variety is as important as consuming quantity. The reason is because no single vegetable provides all of the nutrients you need to be healthy. It is therefore more beneficial if you eat plenty of variety everyday. A diet rich in vegetables can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some type of cancers, lower risk of eye and digestive problems and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep your appetite in check.
Eating non-starchy vegetables and green leafy vegetables may also promote weight loss. Their low glycemic loads prevent blood sugar spikes that can increase hunger. Eating vegetables provides health benefits. People who eat more vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic disease.
Different Types and Varieties
Vegetables may be raw or cooked, fresh, frozen, canned,or dried/dehydrated, and may be whole cut up or mashed. Based on their nutrient content vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups:
- dark-green vegetables,
- starch vegetables,
- red and orange vegetables,
- beans and peas, and
- other vegetables.
Good amount of vegetables are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity beyond normal daily activities. Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs.
Benefits You Derive From Eating Your Vegetables.
Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. Vegetables are important source of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate(folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C. Eating vegetables everyday is important for health. They provide essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients,such as antioxidants and fiber. Research consistently shows that people who eat the right amount vegetables have the lowest risk of many disease, including cancer and heart disease. Enjoy a range of vegetables daily to reap as many health benefits as possible.
- Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Vegetable sources of potassium include sweet potatoes, white potatoes, spinach.
- Dietary fiber from vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber also is important for proper bowel functions.
- Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infection.
- The Vitamin C in vegetables helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
- As part of an overall healthy diet, eating vegetables that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher calories food may be useful in helping to lower calories intake.
- Eating a diet rich in vegetables may help reduce risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
- A diet rich in vegetables may protect against certain types of cancers.