Nutritional Value of Vegetables

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on February 3, 2010

Composition Of Vegetables And Nutritional Value Of Vegetables

Vegetables are an extremely important part of the human diet. This is something we have all heard from the time we were kids, but unfortunately many of us seem to ignore it. The result is a variety of medical conditions, ranging from mild skin conditions to problems with growth, and from general weakness and poor fitness to serious, life threatening conditions.

Best Source Of Vegetables And Vegetables Nutritional Information

It is important to note that the term vegetable as is commonly used is not really a scientific one, and has connotations that vary depending on cuisine and culture. Many plant foods that are referred to as vegetables are actually scientifically classified as fruits.

The tomato is one of the best examples of a food that is commonly thought of as a vegetable but is scientifically labeled as a fruit.

However, when discussing cuisine, non-sweet fruits that are usually eaten cooked or prepared in some other manner are referred to as vegetables. Depending on cuisine and culture, the word vegetables may also include the leaves of certain plants, as well as certain plant foods such as mushrooms.

It is therefore advisable to keep in mind that most of the value of vegetables that we are about to discuss applies to fruits and other plant foods as well.

Vegetables are extremely high in fiber, an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the human digestive system. Fiber also helps to regulate cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

It also helps in the absorption of certain nutrients. Vegetables are also a great source of carbohydrates. Processed foods and junk food also provide carbohydrates, but these are usually unhealthy carbohydrates.

When it comes to most minerals and vitamins, once again vegetables are the best source. Several vitamin and mineral deficiencies are the result of poor vegetable intake. Vegetables also contain other elements such as antioxidants and numerous other phytochemicals. While the role that these substances play is not very clear and is often overstated, it seems quite certain that they have their benefits.

When discussing the value of vegetables, it is also important to mention what they don’t contain – namely, fat. Of course, the method of preparation of any food matters a lot, but as long as vegetables are prepared with caution and restraint, they are among the lowest fat foods available. Of course, vegetables also do not contain much protein, and this is an important thing to remember. Protein, as well as vitamin B12, can only be obtained from dairy products and meat. If you are a pure vegan, you might therefore need supplements of these nutrients.