What Nutrients Are Present in Vegetables?

Vegetables are highly nutritious foods that contain a wide variety of minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients.

Most of the supplements in use today are derived from some kind of plant. Vegetables are edible components of plants that are tasty and healthy and consumed by humans.

Healthy Compounds in Vegetables

Vegetables contain various phytochemicals, of which some are present in specific plants. Also, vegetables are naturally low in calories and fat and free of cholesterol.

Besides phytochemicals, some vegetables are also a very good source of vitamins and fiber.

Common Compounds (Phytochemicals) - Found in Most Plants

Following Phytochemicals are found in almost all types of plants, including most vegetables:

Kaempferol - It is a type of flavonoid, which is mainly found in cruciferous vegetables. It is said to have anti-cancer abilities.

Apigenin - It is also a flavonoid, which is found in many plants including chamomile tea. It is known to be beneficial in reducing anxiety and is used for causing sedation.

Quercetin - It is a flavonoid found in many vegetables, fruits, and grains. It doesn't have any healing capability on its own, but is known to mingle well with other flavonoids.

Myricetin - This flavonoid is mainly found in the leaves of Myrica rubra and some berries, grapes and other fruits and vegetables. It is known for its antioxidant properties and in relation to bone health.

Less-common compounds - found in specific plants

Green Tea Catechins is mostly found in green tea, black tea and some other variants. It is said to be effective in fat burning and help reduce cell damage.

Brassinosteroids are steroids found in some plants, including mustard. They said to have a physiological contribution to the growth and immunity of plants. Their effects on humans are, however, unknown yet.

Isothiocyanates are found mainly in broccoli, cauliflower, and some other Brassica vegetables. It may have anti-cancer properties.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is found in some foods, including kiwifruit. It is said to support neurologic functions in some animals, but the effect on humans is still unknown.

Other Healthy Nutrients in Vegetables

Vitamins

Some vegetables are high in nutrients like vitamins A & C, folate (folic acid), and potassium. Folate is helpful in forming white and red blood cells in our body. While Vitamin A improves the health of eyes and skin, Vitamin C is essential for healthy body tissues, teeth and gums.

Fiber

Most vegetables are a good source of fiber, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

So, Are vegetables Healthy For You?

Absolutely. Vegetables provide a number of beneficial nutrients to our body, providing essential minerals like potassium, vitamins, fiber, among others. They help keep our heart healthy and maintain blood pressure, which reduces the risk of many complex diseases.

However, vegetables alone cannot provide all the nutrients for the best diet. For instance, they do not have enough proteins needed by our body. To compensate for that, you can take a good quality & best tasting vegan protein powder like Vegan Pro from Raw Nutritional.