The Skinny:
It is hard to find a good argument against eating vegetables. In fact, dietary guidelines suggest adults eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily to provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber to support overall health and help prevent chronic diseases. Of course, many if not most don’t hit that five-a-day mark. What’s less realized is that not all vegetables are created equal, which means some vegetables fall short nutritionally and don’t all deliver the same nutritional kick. We’ve identified some that are, well, less nutritionally productive than others. It doesn’t mean they are unhealthy. It just means they either have some red flags or they simply don’t stack up well against other veggies. Read on.
The Slate:
Bell Peppers, Potatoes & Eggplant
There is a growing concern that peppers, potatoes and eggplant can cause inflammation that can lead to serious issues such as heart disease, cancers and diabetes. Potatoes are also pretty starchy and high in calories. The research to date is admittedly uneven, but those susceptible to these attacks may want to limit their intake until more definitive studies are produced.
Zucchini
Zucchini has its benefits. It is low in calories and contains some vitamins, such as vitamin C. But there are lots of other vegetables that serve up more nutrients. Beyond this, zucchini lacks the antioxidants and essential vitamins found in vegetables such as sweet potatoes or bell peppers.
Celery
No one mistakes celery as a superfood, but it is a vegetable that is virtually devoid of nutritional value. It is not even clear if, as many assume, people burn more calories chewing it than they consume eating it. Yes, celery does provide fiber, which is good, but some studies have warned that celery is also loaded with pesticides, which could present problems in its own right.
Peas & Sweet Corn
Peas and sweet corn find themselves in the same nutritional boat as potatoes. They are starchy and glycemic vegetables, which can generate weight gain, increase blood sugar levels and even make a person feel hungry went they are full.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes may be extremely tasty, especially when plopped on top of a summer salad, but they fall way short of other vegetables, such as bell peppers and broccoli, when it comes to providing nutrients.
Iceberg Lettuce
Iceberg lettuce has been a standard go-to in many households for decades when it comes to building salads. This is a good thing because salads can be really healthy, especially when they are topped with high-value add-ons. But when compared to darker color lettuce alternatives, and there are plenty, iceberg just doesn’t contain the same number of vitamins and phytonutrients. As with any salad, its nutritional value can be undermined by piling on heavy cheeses, high-calory dressings and high-processed meats.
Canned Vegetables
Sometimes the issue isn’t the vegetable but its preparation or storage. That’s the case with canned vegetables. Many canned vegetables are loaded with salt, sweeteners and other flavor enhancers, which can lead to all sorts of problems. Issues can avoided by checking labels, opting for low-salt canned varieties or simply relying exclusively on fresh vegetables.
Eyes Up:
What vegetable do you think is overhyped? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com.
