Vegetables: Nutritional and Medicinal Value: Part, #1

Introduction

Consumption of vegetables in either cooked or boiled or raw form as a salad is a common routine in all the households. Most of the people consume vegetables in order to complete their balanced diet. Various types of vegetables are sold in the market to prepare a number of healthy and relishing dishes. It is also known to most of the people that these vegetables are very rich sources of nutrients especially vitamins, minerals and roughages. Some of the vegetables are very good sources of water too. We all know that these vegetables provide nutrition but it is rare to have thoughts about the amount of nutrition each vegetable is contributing to carry out the metabolic activities and regulatory mechanics of our body. Vegetables are considered as natural medicines that have healing properties and help in building up the immune system of the body. Very few people are discerning about the nutritive value of the vegetables they are consuming. It is also true that most of these common vegetables are easily grown by the home gardeners. The part one of the book details about the nutritive and medicinal value of all the common vegetables grown and consumed by a majority of the people. Some of these vegetables are highly valued as these are also used as cures against various irregularities of the body including heart disorders, diabetes, ulcers, asthma and rheumatism. One can easily lead a healthy and happy life with the addition of good amount of vegetables and fruits in their daily diet. In addition, most of the vegetables can be grown on the same piece of land as mixed crops. There is no need of special requirements while growing various vegetables in the home or kitchen garden. Expert health consultants also advise to consume about 400 gm of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis to prevent oneself from chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

The annexure as the last section will give a clear idea of ideal amount of intake of vegetables on daily basis as well as amount of nutrients present in some of the common and easily grown vegetables.

Nutritional benefits of vegetables

A nutrient is a substance that is required by the body in any form to carry out its metabolic activities. These are proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and fibers. Vegetables are although low in fats and carbohydrates but very rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fibers and play effective roles in the regular functioning of the body. Vegetables are generally consumed as an additional dish along with staple diet either in cooked