Did you know that June 17 is National Eat Your Vegetables Day?
When we were kids, our parents always told us to eat our vegetables. They said that veggies would make us strong, and that they’re good for us. Well, as always, our moms were right: Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, and their health benefits are infinite. Yet, studies show that 90% of Americans do not eat their recommended 3-5 servings of vegetables each day.
If you need some convincing to eat your peas and carrots, then this list is for you. Here are 10 reasons why you eat vegetables with every meal:
1. Vegetables are low in calories.
Veggies are naturally low in calories. Many Americans consume over 3,500 calories per day, but they only need 2,000. Adding vegetables to your meals is a great way to cut the calories and still nurture your body.
2. Vegetables can help you lose weight.
Since vegetables are low-calorie, you can eat as many as you want without worrying that you’ll gain weight. Also, vegetables fill you up faster, so it’s nearly impossible to overeat veggies.
3. Vegetables contain fiber.
Veggies provide fiber, which helps keep you full, cut food cravings, and keep your digestive system moving. Many green vegetables top the list of high-fiber foods. The fiber in vegetables may also help lower your blood cholesterol levels.
4. Vegetables reduce your risk for deadly diseases.
Veggies help reduce your stroke risk. Furthermore, they help reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes.
5. Vegetables are low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
Over 95% of vegetables contain less than one gram of fat per serving. The FDA also states that many vegetables are sodium-free, which makes veggies an important part of nearly any diet.
6. Vegetables contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals.
Veggies contain an abundance of important nutrients, including calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, E, C, and K.
7. Vegetables provide complex carbohydrates.
The energy in Vegetables contain complex carbohydrates, which provide energy. These “healthy” carbs take time to digest and don’t cause blood sugar spikes.
8. Vegetables may even prevent cancer.
Veggies are packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants, which may help reduce your cancer risk.
9. Vegetables contain unique nutrients.
Vegetables provide our bodies with vital nutrients that are nearly impossible to obtain from meat. These nutrients include vitamin C, flavonoids, and dietary fibers.
10. Vegetables are actually quite delicious.
Personally, I love the taste of vegetables. However, if you don’t like the flavor of plain veggies, there are ways to disguise it. You can snack on raw vegetables with hummus dip. You can cook them in olive oil or butter, too, which will make them even more delicious .
11. Vegetables add variety to your diet.
Veggies come in a variety of colors, flavors, and textures. They say that a colorful plate is a healthy plate, and vegetables definitely provide that pop of color!
If you didn’t enjoy eating vegetables before, hopefully something on this list encouraged you to reconsider. Celebrate Eat Your Vegetables Day not just today but every day. Ensure that vegetables play a major role in your diet on a daily basis, and you’ll live a happier, healthier life.
Featured Photo via Unsplash
