Why should vegetables be at the heart of your diet?

vegetables healthy eating

We all know that eating vegetables is important. But just how important?  Here at Foodilic HQ vegetables are one of the focal points to our menu and we try to offer mouth watering combinations that will make even the hungriest man happy and fulfilled.

The health benefits are obvious. People who eat more vegetables as part of an overall balanced diet are likely to have a reduced risk of diseases. We know that vegetables provide nutrients vital for the healthy maintenance of our bodies, potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C to name the most important. And here are our top 5 reasons why you should up your veg intake each week:

1. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes and can protect you from certain types of cancer.

2. The fiber in vegetables such as, squash, spinach and kale may reduce obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis.

3. Potassium high veg, like sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, white beans, soybeans, lima beans, spinach, lentils, and kidney beans help to lower blood pressure and could also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

4. Vegetables have hardly any fat or calories and none have cholesterol.

Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should consume adequate folate from foods, and in addition 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development.

5. And of course, the magic Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy. So eat lots of Broccoli, Cauliflower, fresh herbs and sprouts.

Of course, if you are lacking imagination, check our recipe board for ideas or even better, swing by to Foodilic for the healthiest, most delicious meal of your life!