Asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, spinach, mustard greens and artichoke come in the long green vegetables list. For a healthy life, having these vegetables during meals is essential.
Did You Know?
Green vegetables are an excellent source of vitamin C which can blunt the negative impact of air pollution on patients diagnosed with chronic lung problems such as asthma.
What differentiates green vegetables from other vegetables is their color. The green pigment is present in these vegetables, which is responsible for the green color. Studies identify green vegetables as a powerhouse of nutrients. No wonder they are an indispensable part of a healthy diet. Whether it is to lower weight or keep dreaded diseases at bay, one can certainly rely on these vegetables. Making a salad from green vegetables is the simplest way to include them in your diet. Salads are easy to prepare and can be made in short amount of time.
Green Vegetables List
This list will give you the different alternatives when it comes to choosing these vegetables. It is mentioned below:
- Asparagus
- Cabbage
- Artichoke
- Cauliflower
- Sorrel
- Fenugreek
- Acorn
- Nasturtium
- Pumpkin
- Dandelion
- Sweet Potato
- Kabocha
- Colocasia
- Tatsoi
- Samphire
- Butternut
- Imperial
- Watercress
- Spaghetti Squash
- Moringa
- Purslane
- Endive
- Cucumber
- Borage
- Radichetta
- Sea beet
Dark Green Vegetables List
There are some vegetables that come with darker leaves, hence they are classified as dark green vegetables. It is observed that nutritional value of dark green vegetables is higher than those with lighter leaves. The percentage of essential vitamins and minerals in dark green vegetables is remarkably high. The concentration of nutrients is maximum in dark green vegetables and so have to be included in the diet. Dark leafy green vegetables list is mentioned below:
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Dandelion Greens
- Loose Leaf
- Boy Choy
- Lollo Ross
- Imperial
- Romaine Lettuce
- Celtuce
- Fiddlehead
- Chicory
- Summer Crisp
- Butterhead
- Arugula
- Kale
- Cyclone Spinach
- Chaya
- Mustard Greens
- Collard Greens
- Red Leaf
- Turnip Greens
- Komatsuna
Green Vegetable Nutrition
- Every type of vitamin, be it water-soluble or fat-soluble, is found in ample amounts in these vegetables. So, if you are looking for natural sources of water soluble vitamins like B and C or fat soluble vitamins A and K, then green vegetables is the best choice.
- In addition to being a rich source of vitamins, green vegetables also contain a high amount of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron which are crucial to stay healthy.
- Most importantly, fat content in vegetable is negligible and therefore they are often included in weight loss diet. So, those looking for a low-calorie diet for losing weight should focus more on eating green vegetables. They are basically high in fiber which also helps to prevent digestive problems like constipation.
Organic Vegetables – Way to Go!
If you are serious about your well-being, it is vital to choose vegetables that are organically produced. Conventional method of growing vegetables involves use of synthetic pesticides extensively and adding chemical food additives. However, this reduces the nutrition of vegetables but organically cultivated vegetables hardly lose their nutrition, thanks to use of natural pesticides. Well, you got to shell out more money to buy organic foods but there is not doubt that organically grown products are more nutritious.
How to Cook Green Vegetables?
If you want the green vegetables to retain their nutrition, it is necessary to employ healthy cooking methods. Deep frying or over cooking kills the nutrients and so the purpose of eating green vegetables is itself destroyed.The best cooking method that protects vegetables from nutrient loss is definitely steaming. Roasting and stir-frying are other healthy cooking options that help to preserve nutritional content of vegetables. Never boil vegetables as substantial amount of nutrition is lost.
On the whole, for optimal health and to manage weight or diseases like diabetes, a diet rich in green vegetables is a must. In order to stay fit and fine in today’s cut throat competition, taking healthy foods is a pre-requisite. With intake of green vegetables, there is assurance of good health years down the line.