Your Mother Was Right when She Told You to Eat Your Veggies!
Your mother was right when she told you to “eat your veggies!” June is National Fruits and Veggies Month, June 16 is Fresh Veggies Day, and June 17 is Eat All Your Veggies Day/Eat Your Vegetables Day, but these foodie holidays celebrating fruits and veggies are just one of the many reasons you should.
Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. As part of the main meal or as a snack, vegetables can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Of course, each vegetable has its own nutritional content. Generally, they contain a little protein or fat and varying proportions of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin B6, provitamins, dietary minerals, and carbohydrates. Interestingly, they also contain a variety of other phytochemicals, some of which have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticarcinogenic properties.
The list is endless, but here are just some of the top health benefits of eating more fresh veggies:
Decrease Inflammation
Fresh, organic vegetables are one of the best foods to eat to decrease chronic inflammation. Scientific studies have now concluded chronic inflammation is the root cause of most diseases. They’re also fantastic immunity boosters!
Improved Blood Pressure
According to the CDC, roughly half of American adults have high blood pressure. Eating more potassium-rich foods can offset too much sodium (salt) in the diet.
Heart and Gut Health
Veggies contain a lot of beneficial fiber, which is great news, because most of us aren’t getting enough. High fiber foods can help your heart and gut health. Looking to lose weight? The fiber in raw fruits and veggies make you feel fuller, faster, so you consume more food with less calories!
Healthy Skin, Hair, Mind, Eyesight
Eating more veggies can also improve your eyesight, improve your hair and skin, and help your mind stay young and working optimally!
Veggies to Enjoy This June!
Now that you know just some of the health benefits of eating more vegetables, here are some that are in season right now:
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Lima Beans
- Radishes
- Summer Squash
- Zucchini
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
Happy – and healthy – eating!
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Photo Credit: Oksana Kuzmina / Shutterstock.com
