5 underrated calorie-inducing vegetables
Much has been said about vegetables and fruits being customary on a Filipino dining plate. Such tradition has been adopted by generations from generations. And indeed, in order to stay healthy, one should always eat the leafy, raw products that we harvest from our own soil.
Today, there are over 400 kinds of vegetables in the world. Each one of them sustains the nutrition or benefits that your body needs. Are you aware why your body needs calories? Well, it is because your body needs energy to help you fulfill your daily activities. Do you also know that an average person needs 2500 calories per day?
Let’s see if these five kinds of vegetables can provide health benefits and to the calories that your body needs every day.
Rutabaga
The first vegetable is the Rutabaga. It contains 38 calories in every 100 grams. It has a compound called glucosinolate that may possibly prevent the development of cancerous tumors. It is also rich in Vitamin C which is an effective anitoxidant recognized to raise the defense mechanisms and stop sickness. Since it is abundant in Vitamin C, it helps reduce wheezing in asthma patients. It is also an excellent method in obtaining fiber which will help retain the human body’s digestive track.
Fiber is important to the colon health, digestion and maintaining proper metabolism. Food that are high in fiber manage body weight. It also contains potassium which helps energy production, supports hearth health, and proper metabolism. It also helps reducing the chance of heat stroke and useful in controlling blood pressure.
In addition, it also helps prevent spot baldness and it reduces the chance of having type 2 diabetes. There are dishes that you can enjoy with Rutabaga as the main dish. You can try Red Lentil and Rutabaga Soup; Potato and Rutabaga Gratin and Clean Eating Rutabaga Fries.
Rhubarb
The next one is Rhubarb. This vegetable contains 21 calories for every 100 grams. It is one of the least calorie vegetables. Its stalks are rich in several B-complex vitamins such as folates, riboflavin,niacin, vitamin B-6, thiamine and pantothenic acid. Its red stalks carry more Witamin A which is a power natural antioxidant which is required by the body for maintaining integrity of skin and mucus membrane. Also, it is an essential vitamin for healthy eyesight and may help protect you from lung cancer and oral cavity cancers. It also provides good amount of vitamin K which has a potential role in bone health. Enough amount of Vitamin K in the diet may help limit neuronal damage to the brain; and can also help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. This vegetable is known for its delicious pies.
Taro
Taro or locally known as “Gabi” has more calories than potatoes. It has 112 calories in every 100 grams but its roots are very low in fats and protein. It provides 4.1 grams or 11% of the daily requirement in the dietary fiber. It is also free from gluten protein but carries high quality of phyto-nutrition profile comprising of dietary fiber and antioxidants to moderate proportions of vitamins and minerals. Food that are rich in ‘flavonoids’ help protect you from lung cancer and oral cavity cancers. Its roots also have very good amounts of potassium that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. One of the famous dishes that can be found here in the Philippines is the Ginataang Laing of Bicol.
Horseradish
The next one is Horseradish. Every 100 grams of this contains 48 calories. It is low in calories and fats but it contains good amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. There are active principles that have found to be anti-inflammatory, diuretic and nerve soothing effects. Some of the phyto-chemical compounds in the root stimulate secretion of salivary, gastric and intestinal digestive enzymes and facilitate digestion. It also works as a potent gastric stimulant which increases appetite. It also has good amount of vitamin C which help removes harmful free-radicals from the body and help protect you from cancers, inflammation and infections.
Jicama
Lastly, Jicama, locally known as singkamas and one of the finest sources of dietary fiber, 100 grams of Jicama only carries 35 calories. It is a source of oligofructose inulin which is a zero-calorie sweet inert carbohydrate and does not undergo metabolize inside the human body. It is also rich in vitamin C that helps the body scavenge harmful free radicals.
Vegetables are not just a crop or leaves or any part of a plant. It a source of energy and helps you fight diseases. It may also help your immune system to defend your body from viruses and bacteria that might attack you.
Always remember that your health depends on the food you eat daily. It is not every meal that you get the right amount of calories, vitamins and minerals. All you have to do is to know what your body needs.
