By Eating the recommended amount of vegetables daily is important for maintaining overall health and well-being.
The American Heart Association recommends eating at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily as a healthy diet. Here are five reasons why it’s important to eat the recommended amount of vegetables:
One: Provide essential nutrients
Vegetables are a good source of essential nutrients such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Eating various vegetables can help ensure the body gets the nutrients for optimal health and well-being.
Two: Support weight management
Vegetables are low in calories and fibre, which can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake. Including vegetables in meals and snacks can help to support weight management and promote overall health.
Three: Reduce the risk of chronic diseases
Eating a diet rich in vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The high levels of nutrients and antioxidants found in vegetables can help to protect the body against disease and promote overall health.
Four: Promote digestive health
The high fibre content of vegetables can help to promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of constipation and other digestive issues. Eating various vegetables can help support a healthy gut microbiome and promote overall digestive health.
Five: Boost energy and vitality
Vegetables are a nutrient-dense food that can help to boost energy levels and promote overall vitality. Eating a diet rich in vegetables can help support optimal physical and mental health and promote overall feelings of well-being.
Here are five positive points that adding more vegetables to our diet can help us attain:
Better digestion and regularity:
Eating more vegetables can help to promote healthy digestion and regularity, reducing the risk of constipation and other digestive issues.
Improved weight management:
Adding more vegetables to our diet can help to support weight management and reduce the risk of obesity and other weight-related health issues.
Lower risk of chronic diseases:
Eating a diet rich in vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Increased energy and vitality:
Vegetables are a nutrient-dense food that can help to boost energy levels and promote overall vitality.
Improved mental health and well-being:
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables has been shown to promote mental health and well-being, reducing the risk of depression and other mental health issues.
Roasted Root Veg Salad With Feta
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, peeled
- 2 medium parsnips, peeled
- 1 lb (450g) pumpkin, peeled
- 2 tbsp tbsp. olive oil
- 4 oz (120g) rocket
- 2 oz (50g) feta
- ¼ cup (30g) pumpkin seeds
Instructions
What you need to do
- Pre-heat the oven to 400F (200C).
- Wash and peel the carrots and parsnips.
- Peel and cube the pumpkin.
- Cut them into small strips.
- Place all the vegetables into a roasting tray, and grease evenly with 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20-30 mins (depending on the thickness of the vegetables).
- Once cooked add the roasted vegetables and rocket to a large bowl and drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp. of olive oil.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and pumpkin seeds, and season with salt and pepper to serve.
- Protein Boost Tip: Serve with grilled chicken breast or thighs