Ten Vegetables Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants

Antioxidant is nature’s way to fight against diseases like cancer. Antioxidants and vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables. Food therapy, the use of food as an approach to deal certain illnesses is based on nature’s natural way of helping mankind. Vegetables can provide nutrients, vitamins and minerals just like fruits. Vegetables also play a vital role to those who are health conscious and maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Studies shows the effectiveness of vegetables when it comes to health. Here are ten vegetables that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants.

1. Kale

Kale also known as “Borecole” is a form cabbage. It is purple or green in color. This vegetable is highly nutritious and has powerful antioxidants. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitami
K, vitami
C, calcium, beta carotene and lutein. It is also rich in indole-3 carbinol, a substance that aids the DNA for cell repair.

2. Spinach

This vegetable is native in central and southwester
Asian countries. Its leaves are large green with yellowish flowers. It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, B1 and B2. It also has minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids and many more. It is very high in antioxidants especially when it is eaten fresh, steamed or quick boil.

3. Brussels sprouts

This vegetable belongs to the cultivar group of wild cabbage. It has small, leafy green buds which is highly rich in antioxidants. Just like broccoli, it has a substance called sulforaphane that is believed to have anti-cancer properties. It also has indole-3 carbinol that boosts DNA’s repair of cells.

4. Alfalfa sprouts

This vegetable belongs to the flowering plant of the pea family. It resembles a clover with small purple flowers that grows in cluster. It is very rich in vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamins C, E and K. It is also high in protein and calcium.

5. Broccoli

The broccoli belongs to the Italica cultivar group of Brassica oleracea. It is similar to cauliflower that also belongs to the same group. It has green flower heads originating from an edible stalk. It is high in vitami
C and fiber. It has substances that are anti-cancer. A high broccoli diet is proven to be effective against prostate cancer and heart attack.

6. Beet

This is known for its varieties in which the most common is the beet root or the garden beet. Some of its varieties are used in the production of table sugar. Beet is very rich in carbohydrates, protein and fiber.

7. Red bell pepper

It belongs to the cultivar group of chili peppers. They are native to Mexico, Central and South America. Bell peppers are also called “sweet peppers”. Red bell peppers are rich in vitami
C and have the substance “lycopene” which is an antioxidant. Its vitami
C is three times of that of an orange.

8. Onions

Onion also called “bulb onion” or “common onion” belongs to the Allum family. It is use as food or garnish to different food preparations. Depending on the variety, onion can be sweet, mild, spicy or tangy. It has chemical compounds that are said to be anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-cholesterol. Quercetin, a substance found in onion is an antioxidant.

9. Co

It is a form of grain and alternative to rice for some countries. Its plant is similar to bamboo. When it is ripe, it has yellowish kernels attached in its comb. Corn is very high in carbohydrates, protein, fiber and other nutrients.

10. Eggplant

The eggplant has several names such as aubergine, guinea squash and melongene. It belongs to the nightshade family and the genus Solanum. It is closely related to tomato and potato which also belongs to the nightshade family. The eggplant fruit is like a berry having small edible seeds. It is used for the treatment of high blood cholesterol. It is a good source of potassium and folic acid and it prevents the formation of free radicals which are the cause of cancers.