3 Benefits of Getting More Vegetables in Your Diet
Were you one of those kids who made a face at their broccoli? Green food can be an acquired taste for some, but the older you get the more you learn just how beneficial they are to health, energy, losing weight, and lasting happiness. If you don’t believe it or just need a little motivation to add those needed vegetables, here are a few great reasons to include them in your diet from here on out!
Increased Energy
Energy levels can fluctuate throughout the day, but what you eat in each meal really affects those levels, short-term and long-term. According to Taste of Home, the more a certain food provides you nutrients and vitamins, the more it is considered an energy booster food. That’s why vegetables are usually at the top of the list—they are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that get your body moving. Leafy greens, for instance, are high in things like iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, not to mention packed with vitamins and antioxidants. So yes, salads with kale or spinach as the main ingredient really are that good for you!
Better Digestion
Talk about how vegetables improve digestion. Nutrient-packed foods also help promote healthy digestion, especially those with fiber and potassium. Prebiotics are also important, helping good bacteria to thrive in your gut and improve overall gut health. Also, according to Stellar Kids, vegetables can counteract acidity because they are naturally alkaline, and often are filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. All these things work together to clean out and regulate your digestive system, so eating a variety of vegetables is important to get the full benefits for your gut health.
Filling Without Calories
No, vegetables aren’t completely free of calories, but because of how low in calories they are, you often use up the calories of a vegetable just in the act of eating it. All the fiber present in vegetables also helps you get full without having to eat a ton, though if you’re feeling the munchies, they’re definitely a great choice to avoid overdoing it on the calorie intake. There’s a reason people often switch out carbs for vegetables when they are trying to eat healthier. Plus, you can still get the satisfaction of crunching on something!
You’ve heard time and time again that you should eat your vegetables, but now you know why. The nutrients and vitamins in most vegetables help you to fill up faster, have better gut health, and even be more active. All that, from some broccoli? Yes!
Read this next: Green Tea Supplements – Proven Benefits of Green Tea