There are several root vegetables like tubers and bulbs, which are extremely beneficial for health. Including them in your every diet will help you attain the required nutrients for the body. A few root vegetables that are good for health and need to be a part of your meal are discussed below.
Healthy Root Vegetables
Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are rich in fiber, proteins, potassium, vitamin A and iron. This veggie helps in fighting deficiency of iron, helps in supporting the nervous system, increases metabolism, and prevents anemia.
Winter Squash
Winter squash is rich in antioxidants that are protective. It also contains beta-carotene, alpha carotene, zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein. This helps the vision and protects the eye from damage. It also has anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Butternut Squash
Filled with beta-carotene, butternut squash prevents cancer and increases immunity. It also reduces the risk of cancer and tumor by decreasing the toxicity levels.
Rutabaga
These are a hybrid variety. It is a turnip, cabbage cross. Hence, they are abundant in nutrition. They are rich in Vitamin C, fiber and zinc, which help in building immunity, reducing stress, increasing metabolism and balances the mood.
Turnips
A cruciferous vegetable, turn helps combat cancer. They contain indoles, a phytonutrient that helps prevent cancer of the colon, prostrate, lungs and stomach. Turnips are also good for the heart as they are rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Beets
Beets help in enhancing endurance. It also helps in improving circulation, recovering muscle and reduces inflammation. It is also a natural body cleanser and helps balance hormones.
Parsnips
Parsnip has the combined benefits of parsley, celery and carrots. It is also rich in folate, fiber, Vitamin C and potassium. Fiber content in parsnip helps in reducing risk of cholesterol and diabetes. It also gives energy, increases metabolism, facilitates RBC formation and helps DNA synthesis.
Carrots
Carrots are well known and it is a favorite among both children and adults. It can be consumed raw or made into a juice too. Carotenoids, the antioxidant present in carrots gives the significant orange color to the vegetable. This carotenoids help protect the skin and the eyes. Apart from just this carrots provide zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, Vitamin A, D, C, K,E and minerals such as Calcium , magnesium and potassium.
Russet or Yukon
Yukon is also referred to as white potatoes and is enriched with nutrients and antioxidants. The abundance of potassium in this root vegetable helps in bone development and helps cardiac health.
Yams/Sweet Potatoes
Yam or sweet potato is a tasty and a healthy root vegetable. This root vegetable is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and Vitamin B5. It is also rich in fiber and the low glycemic level helps in balancing blood sugar levels.
