14 Vegetables Nutritionists Say We Should All Be Eating More Of
Fresh, frozen or canned, the more you eat these veggies, the better you'll feel. Roasted, steamed, grilled, sautéed or consumed in raw form, vegetables can add texture, color and some much-needed nutrition to any dish. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, key vitamins and minerals, a diet filled with an abundance of vegetables can be beneficial to your overall health and well-being. In fact, countless studies have linked increased veggie intake to decreased risk of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. But despite their nutritional benefits, many Americans find getting the recommended 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day to be a challenge. If you're looking to reap more of the amazing benefits vegetables have to offer, always keeping a variety of vegetables on hand is a good way to ensure you're ahead of the game when it comes time to build a healthy, nutrient-dense meal. If it's hard to find fresh produce in your area, you'll also be pleased to learn that it doesn't matter if they start off fresh or frozen — in fact, studies have found that there is not much of a difference in the nutrient content between frozen and fresh vegetables. Need some inspiration? While any vegetable is a good vegetable, we've rounded up some of the most nutrient-dense, healthiest vegetables to start adding to your grocery list. Use our nutritionist-approved guide to create healthy plant-based meals and snacks you can enjoy throughout the day. But don't just stick to one type of veggie — choose a variety to bulk up your meals and reap the most benefits. If you want to kick the nutrition up a notch, we suggest serving your veggies with an added fat source, such as an oil-based salad dressing. Doing this can help you absorb nutrients like beta-carotene, which has been shown to fight inflammation.
2020-12-23T17:43:07Z