The Healthiest Winter Vegetables
By Sara Butler
Eating healthy and fresh seems to be a little easier in the spring and summer. When the cold weather sets in, it can be difficult to find fresh vegetables for your dinner table. But don’t despair! There are actually quite a few vegetables that are in season in the winter, easily surviving in the harsh weather. These cold-variety veggies withstand the weather due to the amount of sugar they contain, bringing down their freezing point. That’s why vegetables taste sweeter in winter. Here are a few healthy winter vegetables to add to your shopping list!
Kale
This cruciferous vegetable is one of the healthier out there and it just so happens to thrive in cold temperatures. It belongs to the same family of vegetables as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and turnips. It can be harvested all year long but does best when the temperatures are low.
It’s very nutritious. One cup of kale provides your body with the daily recommended amount of Vitamin K and Vitamin C. It’s also rich in Vitamin B, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. It’s also loaded with antioxidants to help your body deal with inflammation.
Brussels Sprouts
Speaking of cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts are also exceedingly good for you and just so happen to be a winter vegetable. These small vegetables are mighty, providing you with Vitamin K to help promote heart and bone health. They’re also a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B along with the minerals potassium and manganese.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is low in calories but high in Vitamin A and Vitamin K. In fact, one cup has only seven calories! That’s seven calories that also provide you with magnesium, manganese, and Vitamin C.
The brightly colored stems are full of plant pigments called betalains. These pigments have been found to help reduce inflammation help decrease LDL cholesterol – the bad kind. So, try out some Swiss chard for your health!
Parsnips
Parsnips look a lot like carrots, but their health benefits are very unique. One cup contains 34 percent of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C and six grams of fiber. They’re also an excellent source of Vitamin B, Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. The fiber in them helps to slow the absorption of sugars in your blood, helping to reduce blood sugar.
Eat vegetables all winter long for continued good health!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wichita, Kans.