Today, I would like to share less common vegetables that are super healthy and delicious. Commonly eaten veggies like lettuce, carrots, spinach, and peppers offer plenty of flavour and nutrients. This is why they remain popular. But did you know that there are various unfamiliar vegetables that are super healthy and worth giving a try.
Some of them can reduce the risk of heart disease and boost your overall health. There are thousands of vegetables grown worldwide, some of them that might be available in your area.
7 Less Common Vegetables That Are Super Healthy
Taro Root
This root vegetable is a familiar carbohydrate source in Asia and Africa and has a soft texture and subtly sweet taste when cooked. It is an excellent substitute for sweet potatoes, potatoes, and other starches. It is packed with fiber, potassium, vitamins E and B, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. Taro root is particularly advantageous for digestive health because of its fiber content.
Dandelion Greens
Did you know that every single part of a dandelion plant is edible? The leaves are what is called dandelion greens. Though it is not as familiar as other leafy greens, dandelion leaves contain a ton of minerals, vitamins, and powerful plant compounds, including iron, vitamin K, and polyphenol antioxidants.
This vegetable could be useful for lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels and preventing cell damage. They are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed cooked or raw as a substitute for lettuce or spinach.
Fiddleheads
The young leaves of ferns that have not unfolded yet. It is called fiddleheads and these flavorful leaves are well known among foragers. Fiddleheads have a curled, tightly wound shape and contain plant compounds and nutrients like provitamin A, Manganese, and vitamin C.
They also provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects due to their carotenoid plant pigments (beta carotene and lutein). They could help with protection against different diseases, including eye diseases and cancer. Fiddleheads are excellent additions to pastas, stir-fries, and soups.
Cassava
This root vegetable is also known as yuca and it resembles a sweet potato, however the taste is milder and nuttier. This versatile vegetable can be roasted, mashed, fried, or cooked. Cassava contains vitamin C, magnesium, copper, several B vitamins, and potassium. Because of its drought-resistance, it is a staple food for many individuals in developing countries.
Celeriac
This peculiar root vegetable is related to parsley and celery and tastes similar to celery. It is an ideal low-carb alternative to potatoes. You can add it to your stews and soups, or enjoy it raw. Celeriac is packed with vitamins C and K, phosphorus, and potassium.
Romanesco
This vegetable has a unique multi-faceted, spiral-like shape with a bright green colour. It contains various potent plant compounds with potential immune-boosting and cancer-fighting effects.
Brassica vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and Romanesco are also rich in polyphenol antioxidants that offer protection against developing breast, colon, and lung cancer. However, food must never be viewed as treatment for serious illnesses like cancer.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is grown all over the world and it is valued for its potent medicinal properties. There are different varieties, and they all have a bitter taste. They are frequently added to curries, soups, and stir-fries.
This vegetable has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes, psoriasis, and more. Bitter melon also has anticancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory properties because it contains several plant compounds that are beneficial for overall health.
Conclusion
Bitter melon, celeriac, and Romanesco are just some of the thousands of less common vegetables that are super healthy grown worldwide. These veggies are incredibly nutritious and incorporating them into your diet will not only enhance your palate, or introduce exciting new flavours into your dishes, they can also boost overall health.
Have you recently tried any new vegetables that made your taste buds celebrate? Be sure to recommend some of them in the comments section.
Sending you inner peace, light, and nutritious vibes.
Anthea