The Nutritional Value Of Broccoli Mixed With Cauliflower & Carrots

Cruciferous vegetables contain nutrients that may help protect your body against cancer. Broccoli and cauliflower are both cruciferous vegetables. But if you find this type of vegetables too bitter for your palate, you may want to consider trying the vegetable mix that includes the sweet carrot. Broccoli mixed with cauliflower and carrots makes a low-calorie, nutrient-packed side dish.

Calories

Broccoli mixed with cauliflower and carrots is a low-calorie food. A 2/3-cup serving of the mixed vegetables contains 25 calories. As a low-calorie dish, broccoli, cauliflower and carrots make a good choice if you're trying to limit your calorie intake. The vegetables can help fill you up on just a small amount of calories.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients in the vegetable mix include its protein, fat and carbohydrate content. As a low-calorie food, broccoli mixed with cauliflower and carrots is not a significant source of any of the macronutrients. A 2/3-cup serving of the mix contains 0 grams of fat, 1 gram of protein and 4 grams of carbohydrates. All three nutrients are essential for good health. Fat helps form cell membranes, protein is necessary for the repair of tissue and carbohydrates provide energy. A balanced diet should get 20 to 35 percent of its calories from fat, 10 to 35 percent from protein and 45 to 65 percent from carbohydrates.

Fiber

Broccoli mixed with cauliflower and carrots can help you meet your daily fiber needs. A 2/3-cup serving contains 2 grams of fiber, meeting 8 percent of your daily value. The percent daily value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. The fiber in the vegetable mix helps slow digestion, keeping you feeling full longer, which can help with weight control. The fiber in the vegetables also helps improve bowel function by adding bulk to your stool, working to prevent constipation. Your daily fiber needs vary depending on your age and gender. Women need 21 to 25 grams a day, and men require 30 to 37 grams.

Vitamins and Minerals

Broccoli mixed with cauliflower and carrots can also help you meet some of your daily vitamin and mineral needs; it's a good source of vitamins A and C. A 2/3-cup serving meets 10 percent of your daily value for vitamin A, 35 percent of your daily value for vitamin C and 2 percent of your daily value for calcium. Vitamin A supports eye and bone health, and vitamin C helps make the protein necessary for wound healing. Both vitamins are essential for immune health.

Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are substances found in plant foods that promote health. Broccoli mixed with cauliflower and carrots is a rich source of a number of phytonutrients, including carotenoids, flavonoids and isothiocyanates. These phytonutrients act as antioxidants and improve immune health. They also cause cancer cells to die and repair DNA damaged by toxic substances such as cigarette smoke. Including the vegetable mix in your diet can help protect from chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.