Filled with vital immunity-boosting antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, vegetables are nature's gift to us humans. They are renowned for being exceptionally beneficial to our health.
All vegetables are linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, lifestyle-related cancers, and heart diseases. However, with additional health merits, some veggies stand out from the rest. Here are 6 of the best nutritional vegetables to include in your diet.
1. Spinach
For just 7 calories, one cup of spinach provides about 55% of your daily vitamin A requirement along with your entire vitamin K needs for the day.
Spinach also boasts plenty of antioxidants and is a great source of ascorbic acid, calcium, and folate, which fight free radicals, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and work wonders for bone health.
Moreover, the goodness of iron found in spinach maintains the hemoglobin levels in your blood in the optimal range, and the high level of magnesium aids in several muscle and nerve functions.
2. Watercress / Sayur Air
Watercress, also known as sayur air, is packed with nutrients, especially Vitamin K. The antioxidants help to improve overall heart health mainly due to how it lowers cholesterol levels and also prevent the risk of cancer. They are also rich in carotenoids and Vitamin C which helps to improve eye health.
3. Sweet Potato Leaves
Sweet potato leaves are high in antioxidants, thus, preventing or delaying damage to cells in the body. Consistent consumption of sweet potato leaves will help prevent several chronic diseases as well such as inflammation, diabetes, hypertension, and many more.
4. Kai Choy
Kai Choy, also known as chinese mustard greens, are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. All of these nutrients combined can help in detoxing the body and lowering cholesterol levels. It also contains high amounts of beta-carotene which lowers the risk of diabetes.
5. Kale
Like most other leafy greens, kale is well-known for its antioxidant content, nutrient density, and health-promoting qualities. A cup of kale contains high amounts of vitamins A, B, C, K, potassium, copper, and calcium.
Drinking kale juice has proven benefits for people suffering from high cholesterol. As per a study, individuals who consume kale each day for three months may experience as much as a 10% reduction in bad cholesterol levels (low-density lipoprotein) and a simultaneous 27% increase in good cholesterol levels (high-density lipoprotein). In addition, kale may also help in reducing blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, promoting healthy brain function, and boosting your energy levels.
6. Capsicum
Capsicum comes in a wide set of colors. They may be green, red, yellow, orange, lavender, brown, or white.
One cup of Capsicum provides several antioxidants and bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, beta carotene, and flavonoids. It also contains vitamins A, B6, C, and E folate, and potassium, which work together in delivering exceptional health benefits like lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and cancer, improving digestive health, and combating Type 2 diabetes.