Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. It is a well-known fact that eating raw vegetables is the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals that you need.
However, there are some vegetables that should always be cooked to further enhance their nutritional value. In this article, we will be discussing 30 vegetables that should always be cooked.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are best known for their sweet and tangy flavour. They are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent cancer and heart disease.
Cooking tomatoes can help to release more of the lycopene, making it easier for your body to absorb.
2. Carrots
Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A in your body. Vitamin A helps to strengthen your immune system, improve your vision and promote healthy skin.
Cooking carrots can help to break down the tough fibres and make the beta-carotene more easily available.
3. Spinach
Spinach is a great source of iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Cooking spinach can help to increase its nutrient density by breaking down its tough fibres and making nutrients more easily available to your body.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is jam-packed with nutrients. It is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fibre and folate. Cooking broccoli can help to activate certain enzymes that make its nutrients more readily available.
5. Asparagus
Asparagus is a great source of Vitamin K and folate. It also contains a unique carbohydrate called inulin, which can help improve your gut health.
Cooking asparagus can help to break down its tough fibres and make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
6. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are known for their vibrant colours and sweet taste. They are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Cooking bell peppers can help to break down their tough fibres and make nutrients more easily available to your body.
7. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C, fibre and folate. It also contains sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Cooking cauliflower can help to activate enzymes that make its nutrients more readily available.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are an excellent source of Vitamin D and selenium. Cooking mushrooms can help to make them more easily digestible and increase the bioavailability of their nutrients.
9. Garlic
Garlic has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Cooking garlic can help to activate certain enzymes that increase its potency.
10. Onions
Onions are an excellent source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Cooking onions can help to make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
11. Kale
Kale is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and fibre. Cooking kale can help to break down its tough fibres and make its nutrients more easily available.
12. Cabbage
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C and fibre. It also contains compounds called glucosinolates, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
Cooking cabbage can help to activate certain enzymes that make its nutrients more readily available.
13. Turnips
Turnips are a great source of Vitamin C and fibre. They are also low in calories, making them a great food for weight loss. Cooking turnips can help to break down their tough fibres and make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
14. Beetroot
Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and nitrates, which help to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Cooking beetroot can help to break down its tough fibres and make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
15. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of fibre, beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Cooking sweet potatoes can help to break down their starches and make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
16. Zucchini
Zucchini is a great source of fibre, Vitamin C and potassium. Cooking zucchini can help to break down its tough fibres and make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
17. Brussel sprouts
Brussel sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C, fibre, and glucosinolates. Cooking brussel sprouts can help to activate certain enzymes that make its nutrients more readily available.
18. Artichokes
Artichokes are rich in antioxidants and fibre. Cooking artichokes can help to break down the fibres and make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
19. Okra
Okra is a great source of fibre, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. Cooking okra can help to break down its tough fibres and make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
20. Swiss chard
Swiss chard is a great source of Vitamin C and fibre. Cooking Swiss chard can help to make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
21. Collard greens
Collard greens are a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K and fibre. Cooking collard greens can help to break down their tough fibres and make their nutrients more easily available.
22. Leeks
Leeks are a great source of antioxidants and Vitamin K. Cooking leeks can help to make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
23. Turnip greens
Turnip greens are a great source of Vitamin K and fibre. Cooking turnip greens can help to break down their tough fibres and make their nutrients more easily available.
24. Mustard greens
Mustard greens are a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in antioxidants and fibre. Cooking mustard greens can help to break down their tough fibres and make their nutrients more easily available.
25. Parsnips
Parsnips are a great source of fibre and antioxidants. Cooking parsnips can help to break down their starches and make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
26. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are rich in beta-carotene and fibre. Cooking pumpkins can help to break down their tough fibres and make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
27. Radishes
Radishes are a great source of Vitamin C and fibre. Cooking radishes can help to make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
28. Squash
Squash is a great source of fibre and antioxidants. Cooking squash can help to break down its tough fibres and make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
29. Cucumber
Cucumber is a great source of hydration, fibre, and antioxidants. Cooking cucumbers can help to make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
30. Eggplant
Eggplants are a great source of fibre and antioxidants. Cooking eggplants can help to break down their tough fibres and make its nutrients more easily available to your body.
Conclusion
Cooking certain vegetables can help to enhance their nutritional value and make their nutrients more easily available to your body.
By including a variety of cooked and raw vegetables in your diet, you can be sure to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy.