Eat Your Veggies; They Do More Than You Think

We’ve been told all our lives to eat our veggies. Vegetables not only contain important vitamins & phytonutrients, they help keep you full for longer due to their fibre and water content. Combining vegetables with protein and healthy fats will keep you satisfied until it’s time for your next meal. Studies show that vegetables may benefit your health by decreasing the hardening of arteries, and lowering cholesterol. Their high anti-oxidant content may also lower inflammation which is the root of many diseases.

They can help with energy levels by regulating blood sugar. They are an excellent food choice versus processed carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar spikes which often lead to those late-afternoon & evening slumps and sugar cravings.

One of the biggest benefits that not many are aware of, is their ability to help your body’s natural detoxification process and help combat that stubborn belly and lower back fat. There is no need to do a cleanse or detox. Proper nutrition enables our liver to be our natural detoxifier. It depends on nutrients, phytonutrients and antioxidants for the detoxification process. The liver transforms chemicals, hormones and toxins into water-soluble metabolites that are expelled by the intestines, kidneys, and skin.

Cruciferous vegetables are key players in the detoxification process. They aid in metabolic detoxification and liver support. Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula, collards, bok choy, turnips, radish and kohlrabi. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in sulfur containing compounds called glucosinolates. These phytochemicals help metabolize and balance hormones such as estrogen. They help get rid of toxins and eliminate them from the body and have been researched for cancer prevention, particularly hormone-sensitive or estrogen-related cancers. Green crucifers also contain chlorophyll, which helps boosts detox capacity even more.

Thiols, which are foods such as daikon, leeks, onions, garlic, shallots, scallions and chives also contain sulphur compounds that help promote the elimination of toxins. They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Like cruciferous vegetables, they can be effective at preventing cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Artichokes, contain a compound called cynarin which helps stimulate the liver and gallbladder and help the kidneys in their role of removing toxins that have been broken down by the liver. They are also high in fibre which help with elimination.

On your next trip to the grocery store, remember to stock up on a variety of vegetables, they are so beneficial for your overall health.