What Are the Benefits of Vegetables in the Diet?

What Are the Benefits of Vegetables in the Diet?
Photo Credit vegetables image by dinostock from Fotolia.com

According to BuildingBodies online, vegetables serve a variety of health benefits when incorporated into the diet daily. Vegetables contain various antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that help to regulate blood sugar, increase energy and build the immune system. Eating vegetables regularly may also help to prevent certain diseases by fueling your body with the nutrients needed for optimum health. Be sure to consult your health-care provider or nutritionist for more information on what types of vegetables to eat and serving sizes for your individual body and lifestyle.

Fight Chronic Diseases

Vegetables provide the body with a number of essential vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients that help to protect you from certain diseases and infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online. Vegetables such as artichokes and various types of beans are rich in fiber, which can maintain digestive health and fight heart disease.

Stabilize Blood Pressure

In addition to fiber, certain vegetables are also rich in potassium, according to the CDC. Potassium is important in the diet, as healthy levels help to maintain and stabilize blood pressure levels. This is especially important for people who are susceptible to high blood pressure levels and are at risk for heart disease. Vegetables such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beets, lima beans, and carrots are all rich in potassium.

Eye Health

When it comes to the health of your eyes, eating a daily dose of vegetables may help to protect them and prevent eye diseases, according to Harvard School of Public Health. Vegetables such as carrots are full of vitamin A, which assists in night vision. Other vegetables may help to prevent other eye diseases that are related to aging, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Both of these diseases may eventually lead to reduced vision if not properly treated with adequate nutrition. In addition, vegetables such as spinach, kale, corn, and squash contain pigments that assist in clearing out free radicals from the eyes before they cause permanent damage.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Sep 7, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments