Have You Tried These Red Vegetables?
By Sara Butler
Not all healthy vegetables are green! The Mayo Clinic says that red vegetables such as radish and red bell pepper are packed with the good stuff to help lower your risk of osteoporosis, high cholesterol, and even diabetes. So, move over green, because there are some new red kids in town that you should make sure are a part of your healthy and balanced diet.
What Makes Them Good for You?
So what gives these ruby-hued beauties their health benefits? The secret is the phytonutrients they contain. The deeper the red, the more antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins they contain. These nutrients are essential to a healthy body, as well as a strong immune system, to help you fight chronic illness.
Red vegetables also contain anthocyanin and lycopene, antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, to fight infections, protect the health of your eyes, and even protect against the damage done by tobacco smoke.
Which Vegetables to Try
If you want to cut straight to the chase, here are the red vegetables you need to try to get more of in your diet; the National Cancer Institute says 95 percent of adults don’t get enough red veg. You should try:
- Beets – The USDA says that beets are a great source of antioxidants as well as fiber, folate, potassium, nitrates, and Vitamin C. Try roasting these red vegetables with a little olive oil, and even sauté their greens for an extra nutritious boost!
- Red cabbage – This cruciferous vegetable is just as good for you as its cousin broccoli. Its color comes from power antioxidants called anthocyanins. This antioxidant has been found to decrease the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and brain disorders. Plus it’s packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A.
- Tomatoes – It really doesn’t matter if the tomatoes are fresh or canned, they have the same health benefits. The lycopene, potassium, and Vitamin C in tomatoes make them great for you!
- Red bell pepper – These are not hard on the taste buds and are a great gateway vegetable for picky eaters. They have an ample dose of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and are very low in calories. You can eat them raw or cooked – whichever you prefer!
- Red chili peppers – Spice up your life and protect yourself against cancer all at once! These peppers are full of capsaicin that can help reduce pain and inflammation. They are also full of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, magnesium, and copper.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.