The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural benefits of the Top 10 vegetables recommended for human consumption. Here is their report:
Overview of Ten Key Vegetables and Their Nutritional Values
More than likely, you have been told that you should eat your veggies. However, what many people don’t realize is that some of the most nutrient dense vegetables also happen to be some of the tastiest. Let’s take a look at ten vegetables that are nothing short of nutritional powerhouses.
Peppers
You might not immediately think of peppers when you are making up your list of vegetables with a lot of nutrition, but peppers rank right up there at the top. Peppers are loaded with both vitamins C and A, which helps to make them a real winner in the veggie world.
Spinach
You simply can’t have a “best vegetables list” without including spinach. Spinach is loaded with all sorts of vitamins. You will find B vitamins, loads of vitamins C and A, as well as minerals such as iron. Perhaps, best of all, spinach is cheap and usually easy to find in any grocery store.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a truly amazing food. In fact, the more science learns about broccoli, the more impressive this little green vegetable becomes. Much like spinach, broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C, A, numerous B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and calcium. However, broccoli is also high in vitamin K, which is commonly missing from most people’s diet. Broccoli is simply a must!
Carrots
How can you not love carrots? Carrots are extremely high in vitamin A and have very respectable amounts of other key vitamins including vitamins K, C and several B vitamins as well. Carrots also have the benefit of having a very long shelf life.
Kale
Kale is another amazing leafy green that should find a place on your table at least once or twice a week. Kale is high in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as numerous minerals, such as calcium and potassium. Kale is also low in calories, so it is great for dieters!
Chard
Like kale, chard is another leafy green that is low in calories, while also high in vitamins K, A and C. Additionally, chard is also high in numerous minerals such as iron and magnesium.
Garlic
Garlic has been revered since ancient time. Garlic may not be the nutritional star like some other foods, but it is nonetheless an essential vegetable. Stating that garlic “does it all” might seem like an overstatement, but medical research has discovered that garlic does, in fact, contain chemicals that fight off viruses and bacteria. It is even a strong anti-inflammatory.
Brussels Sprouts
While many people may not like Brussels sprouts, this is a veggie that is worth a second look. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins K and C and have good levels of vitamin A and B vitamins. Chemicals contained in Brussels sprouts also show promise in fighting cancer.
Beets
Beets have much in common with Brussels sprouts, as they are a food that people often avoid. However, when prepared correctly, beets can actually be quite easy to eat. Beets are high in vitamins such as vitamin C and folate and minerals such as potassium. Yet, it is the humble beet’s ability to help detoxify the body that makes it a real winner.
Asparagus
Asparagus isn’t just yummy; it is also quite a healthy choice as well. Asparagus has loads of vitamin K and folate, but also has scores of other vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin A.