VEGETABLES


HEALTH BENEFITS OF CARROTS
Carrots are essential in various recipes not just because of the color that it adds to the dish but also because of the positive health effects that it could bring. If you have been skipping on this vegetable, you might want to change your mind immediately. That is, if you do not want to miss out on all the health benefits of carrots.
Rest assured, whether you prefer to enjoy this vegetable raw or cooked, you would still be able to enjoy the health improvements that it could bring. It has to be noted though that if you truly want to maximize the amount of nutrients that you can get from it, it is best to eat it in its raw state. That is because, heat that is brought about by cooking may destroy some of the vitamins and minerals that it has.

Promotes Excellent Eye Health

Do not be misled that eating tons of carrots will reverse any eye problem that you already have. While this is not true, the important thing is that carrots help out in preventing further damage to your sight. This vegetable has high amount of beta-carotene. Once this has been processed by the liver, it then becomes Vitamin A. The main reason why Vitamin A is known for eye health is because it lessens the destruction of cells and prevents various eye ailments like macular degeneration, cataracts and even simpler problems like dryness of eyes.

Promotes a Healthier Heart

One of the most important health benefits of carrots is that it prevents stroke and other cardiovascular problems. This vegetable contains a component called falcarinol which also comes with other phytonutrients. When these are combined, there will be less tendency for inflammation. Aside from that, the red blood cells would not become clumped and end up blocking the blood vessels.

Aids in Detoxification

Carrots have high amount of fiber. That is why, when this is eaten regularly, the fiber works like an automatic means of getting rid of toxins. Carrot also triggers the liver to secrete bile and this is essential in detoxification. People who regularly eat this vegetable would no longer need to exert a lot of effort just to cleanse their system.

Prevents Cancer

Aside from helping out the heart in doing its job well, the falcarinol also plays an integral role when it comes to cancer prevention. This is also referred to as a “pesticide”, but there is no need to fear because of all pesticides, this one is the most beneficial for your health. Aside from ensuring that carrot roots would not be conducive for fungus, this also prevents cancer cells from developing. It is effective in fighting breast, colon and lung cancer.

Nourishes the skin


The real secret in looking young is to enjoy eating carrots. One of the more popular health benefits of carrots is that it nourishes the skin and keeps it blemish-free. All thanks to the high amount of beta-carotene that it has. Aside from rejuvenating the skin, this also prevents fine lines and wrinkles from showing.
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CABBAGE

Great for Weight Loss
The secret for effective weight loss is fiber. One thing that makes cabbage a popular choice for people who would like to go on a weight loss diet is the fact that it has lots of fiber. Green cabbage is an excellent choice. However, if you truly want to get the amazing cabbage health benefits, you might want to pick the purple ones. A cup of chopped purple cabbage will give you 2 grams of fiber. This is equivalent to 8% of the RDA for fiber. This massive amount of fiber will make you feel full so you would not end up feeling hungry too soon. It makes it easier to control your hankering for food too.

Stronger Defense Against Cough, Cold and Flu

Among the cabbage health benefits is strengthening of the immune system. Even if this is not a citrus fruit, it still has impressive amount of Vitamin C. Eating at least a cup of chopped cabbage daily will already satisfy 60% of Vitamin C RDA. It would be better if cabbage is eaten raw if you really want to have a stronger defense against cough, cold and flu. It is because heat can destroy Vitamin C and would lower the amount of vitamins that you can get.

Alleviates Pain of Arthritis

One of the cabbage health benefits is that it can help people who are in pain because of their arthritis. There may be various ways on how to resolve arthritis but alleviating the inflammation is the most effective method of resolving the pain. Cabbage has an anti-inflammatory effect. Hence, eating this would reduce the ache being felt on parts that are stricken by arthritis.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Cabbage also has a lot of phytochemicals. This captured the attention of scientists because it converts estradiol so that breast cancer would not develop. Estradiol is a more harmful form of estrogen which leads to cancer. All thanks to cabbage, this can be transformed to a safer form which can be used up by the body without harmful effects.

Prevents Osteoporosis


One type of cabbage which is called bok choy is very effective when it comes to prevention of osteoporosis. It has surprising amount of calcium which can even beat the level found in other dairy products. Calcium from bok choy will prevent bone mass to deteriorate which often happens with aging. It also strengthens the bone so it would not become brittle eventually and break too easily. Some vegetarians use this type of cabbage as source of calcium since they skip dairy products.
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