12 Healthy Root Vegetables that Should Not be Ignored

Root vegetables are plant roots that are used in cooking. These nutrient-dense vegetables grow underground and absorb a significant amount of nutrients from the soil. Many of the root vegetables are available year round, but fall through spring is their peak season. These underground gems are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber and are also low in calories. Because they contain slow-burning carbohydrates, they help regulate blood sugar, but they also help with inflammation, digestion, and constipation and give you a steady boost of energy.

 

Many people today are gluten intolerant or have Celiac disease, and can’t have grains that contain gluten. Replacing these grains with root vegetables shows many health benefits, and when it comes to cooking, they are most versatile.

 

 

12 HEALTHY ROOT VEGETABLES

THAT SHOULD BE ON TOP OF YOUR LIST

 

 

CARROTS

Carrots are one of the most common vegetables. Packed with antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, D, E, and K. Carrots are known for protecting the eyes and skin. Add them to juices for natural sweetness, or fresh salads, soups, stews and desserts

 

SWEET POTATO

This delicious vegetable is probably the best source of vitamin A, but also has vitamin C, B5 and fiber. When it comes to potato salad, sweet potato is a must. Try this easy to make delicious sweet potato salad recipe

 

BEETS

The health benefits of beets should not be ignored. This root vegetable is best in summer through fall but stays consistently great through the year. This delicious root vegetable naturally alkalizes and detoxifies the body. Beets also contain nitrates, which the body uses for muscle recovery, improves circulation and lowers inflammation. Include beets in juices, salads or our famous borscht recipe

 

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

This tasty vegetable is high in beta-carotene, which has been known to destroy cancerous tumor growth and also lowers toxicity. Butternut squash is super easy to prepare by roasting or steaming and can be used in a variety of recipes from salads to butternut squash mash. Try our roasted butternut squash salad

 

 

roastedbutternutsquashsalad

 

 

GINGER

I just love this root vegetable. It is the root of a tropical plant with many health benefits. It has been known to prevent and reverse cancer, boost digestive system especially upset stomach, nausea and also aids in inflammation. This pungent spice is excellent in juices and is widely used in Asian recipes

 

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

This low calorie root is an excellent source of fiber and iron, in fact, 1 cup of cooked artichoke will provide 28 percent of your daily needs of iron. Artichokes are wonderful in salads, and you should try our most popular hot artichoke dip

 

TURNIPS

Another healthy root vegetable and a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables. This means they are cancer fighting veggies just like kale, broccoli, collard greens or cabbage. This root is also high in calcium, potassium, and magnesium and supports balanced blood pressure and cholesterol. This hearty root vegetable is typically served throughout fall and winter holidays

 

FENNEL

With a high supply of iron, fennel has been used as a natural treatment of anemia. Fennel has also been used to treat respiratory disorders, indigestion, and constipation. In cooking, this root is lovely in salads or roasted with other vegetables. Try our simple roasted fennel with carrots recipe

 

 

simply-roasted-fennel-with-carrots

 

 

WHITE POTATOES

Potatoes such as Yukon or Russet are very high in potassium, this is essential for building strong bones and supporting heart health. Another important nutrient is manganese, and one serving of white potato has about 22 percent of your daily value, which is important for nerve and bone health. Potato is excellent in soups and stews and the best way to preserve their potassium and other nutrients

 

RADISH

These little morsels are high in vitamin C and are helpful in curing urinary tract disorders and lowering cholesterol. Radish also increases the supply of fresh oxygen in the bloodstream. This root vegetable makes an excellent low calorie snack and adds lovely crisp texture to salads

 

GARLIC

The health benefits of garlic are superior to most. Some of which are cancer preventative, blood cleanser, antibacterial, antioxidant, cardiovascular and metabolism boosting. This root is excellent in spicing up your meals and should be included in a well-balanced diet

 

ONION

Let us not forget onion, this root vegetable is in everyone’s pantry and has many important health benefits. It has been shown to fight ovarian cancer, colon cancer and laryngeal cancer. It also contains one of the highest levels of polyphenols, in simple words, high in disease fighting antioxidants. Onions are used in many savoury recipes, such as salads, soups, stews, scones or bread

 

More on gluten free healthy recipes ->

 

This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to offer medical advice