Vegetables Facts and Myths

There are vegetables facts and myths going around on the internet. But one thing we know for sure: Eating fruits and vegetables is one of the recommendations for a healthy diet. So, why there are still many people who despise eating vegetables? And what is the reason behind eating vegetables important for the body?

The National Cancer Institute recommends that everyone eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Many studies have proven vegetables are very important for good health. In fact, vegetables should form the basis of health. Everyone, regardless of age, needs to double the amount of vegetable intake each day.

So. What’s the deal with vegetables facts?

There is no doubt that vegetables have various benefits for the body with the nutritional content in them. This nutrient content is also closely related to the color of the vegetables. So far, we tend to eat green vegetables like spinach and broccoli. But did you know that vegetables have several colors, each of which has benefits for the body?

Vegetables contain phytochemicals, namely chemical compounds such as beta-carotene that occur naturally in plants and are very important to fight various types of diseases.

• Go Green

The green color indicates high levels of a green substance (chlorophyll) in plants. This chlorophyll helps the formation of red blood cells in the body to prevent anemia and speed up the wound healing process. Green vegetables also contain ellagic acid which is used to detoxify the body to remove toxins and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances in the body. This means that green vegetables also help prevent cancer.

Green fruits and vegetables can include spinach, kale, string beans, broccoli, and bitter melon.

• White Lie

The white color contains vitamin C and high enough fiber so that it is useful for maintaining endurance and maintaining the digestive system. This non-pigmented vegetable also contains allicin, which controls cholesterol and blood pressure.

These white vegetables and fruits are found in cauliflower, chicory, radishes, bean sprouts, garlic and onions, bamboo shoots, mangosteen, lychee, white dragon fruit.

• Purple Trouble

Purple vegetables and fruit contain anthocyanins which are useful for protecting blood vessels, thus preventing stroke and heart disease. The content of flavonoids acts against several types of cancer. This color also contains A vitamin and E vitamin which are good for eye, skin, and brain health, especially for those with memory problems. These vegetables and fruits include eggplant, grapes, various types of berries, beets.

• Orange Magic

These orange vegetables and fruits have high beta-carotene content. This content of beta-carotene functions to inhibit the aging process and rejuvenate body cells, maintain healthy eyes, skin, and bones. Other ingredients such as Vit. A can maintain the immune system and Vit. B complex to prevent fetal defects in pregnant women. Choice of yellow fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin, peppers, carrots, corn, lemon, mango.

• Said Red

The red color contained in fruits and vegetables contains many anthocyanins which play a role in maintaining the health of the bladder tract. The content of lycopene and flavonoids helps prevent cancer and maintain a memory. The high antioxidant content is useful for lowering cholesterol and maintaining heart health. Red vegetables and fruit can be found in tomatoes, watermelon, red peppers, chilies, red spinach, watermelon, and strawberries.

Myths about Vegetables

Amid of the understanding of many people about the good benefits of vegetables for health, not a few people are fooled by some circulating myths. Want to know what myths about vegetables have been roaming almost all over the world? Check the discussion below.

• Spinach will make you Mighty

Popeye is a cartoon character of a sailor who gets his strength from eating spinach to eradicate criminals. Not a few parents use Popeye characters as an example that spinach can make you grow strong and mighty. Then this theory developed because the iron contained in spinach does function in such a way. This theory was erroneous because of the wrong placement of the decimal point by a German chemist in 1870, which inspired Popeye to be created.

Read also : Indian Food Facts, Blueberry Nutrition Facts

• Fresh Vegetables Are Always Better Than Frozen

This theory is not wrong at all but only applies if you have your own vegetable garden which sounds a little impossible if you live in a big city like New York. The “fresh” vegetables you find in supermarkets don’t qualify. The reason? Because the vegetables have come a long way from an area far from the city, they have lost a some of nutrients compared to when they were fresh and picked straight from the garden. So, it’s not entirely true that “fresh” vegetables are better than frozen or canned vegetables.

• Appearance Determines the Health of Vegetables

In fact, many people prefer to eat vegetables with bright colors than those that are slightly pale. For example, red beans are considered to have better nutritional content than white cabbage. It turns out that this assumption is wrong because this pale white cabbage also has a reliable amount of vitamins and nutrients to support a healthy life. Also, these vegetables are detoxifying which can cleanse the blood and toxins in the body.

• Raw Vegetables Are Better Than Cooked

The lifestyle of a vegetarian or vegan currently tends to be a trend among urbanites because it is believed to have a positive impact on the body and mind. It also triggers more and more people to prefer to eat raw vegetables. A myth has formed that raw vegetables are always healthier. But this does not apply to some vegetables, the best example is tomatoes. Tomatoes can release more lycopene when cooked. Lycopene is a substance that is believed to be able to eradicate many diseases, one of which is prostate cancer.

• Eating Carrots Will Improve Quality of your eyesight

This myth is arguably the most popular, although it doesn’t transform into a fictional heroic character like Popeye. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. And one of the consequences of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness. However, it should be noted, eating a lot of carrots does not mean that you have supervision, but an only normal human vision. Besides carrots, there are many other vegetables that contain more vitamin A, for example kale and sweet potatoes.

There are many facts that need to be heard and myths to be debunked. The most important fact about vegetables is, your body NEED it. There are so many vegetables out there to be consumed for your better health. After reading vegetables facts, you should eat one perhaps?

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