They may not be the prettiest to look at when it comes to the looks department in the fresh market section. But root vegetables like turnips, rutabagas, carrots and potatoes. But kidding you not, these root vegetables are some of the most nutrient dense vegetables. Packed with nutrients and minerals. But also they can be a great alternative to rice and bread, for having high amounts of carbohydrates.
But first, what are root vegetables? They are plants that have stored much of their nutrients underground, instead of distributing them above ground. They do this in the form of bulbs. Which is a modified root?. What’s great about root vegetables, is like you are playing a game of treasure hunting. They might not look flashier as compared to other vegetables that put on a display. For them, it’s all about the mystery, buried deep underground.
So, what can you get if you start incorporating root vegetables in your diet? Here are some of its benefits;
- Rich in antioxidants – Root vegetables like onions are packed with antioxidants. They are compounds that seek unstable molecules in the body, but at the same time, protect the body from oxidative stress. In ginger, there is gingerol which has antioxidant and inflammatory properties. Ginger has also been known to also reduce the risk of various chronic diseases.
- Contains Dietary Fiber – Root – vegetables like potatoes, yams and sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fibers which helps reduce and stabilize the level of glucose in the body. “Preventing that sugar crash”. Root -vegetables like parsnips are a great source of folate which promotes nerve and brain health.
- Carbs Carbs Carbs – Probably known from its famous member, the humble potato. I mean, who doesn’t love French fries. But unlike other sources of carbohydrates like bread. Root – vegetables have what is known as “resistant starch”. This starch functions as a soluble fiber and as a source of food for our gut bacteria, through fermentation. Producing beneficial nutrients as the by product. Their high starch level can also be a great source of carbohydrates and as an alternative to those who are watching their carbohydrate intake (bread and rice for ex.)
References
YA;, M. (n.d.). Gingerol and its role in chronic diseases. Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27771925/
Health benefits of root vegetables. (n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-wellbeing/diet-nutrition/nutrition/root-vegetable-health-benefits
Publishing, H. (n.d.). The pros and cons of root vegetables. Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-pros-and-cons-of-root-vegetables
Hedges, L & Lister, Carolyn. (2006). Health attributes of roots and tubers. 10.13140/2.1.3216.8647.
Health benefits of root vegetables. (2020, October 21). Retrieved March 29, 2021, from https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/nutrition/health-benefits-root-vegetables/
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