Home grown vegetable are the best way to ensure that you and
your loved ones are consuming food that is untouched by pesticides or
preservatives. Some veggies though are extremely packed full of nutritional
goodness and contain major health benefits, far surpassing the average
vegetable. Here are some examples of these super-foods that you can grow in
your very own garden!
Broccoli is one of the most common, yet most healthy
vegetables one can grown. First off, it is absolutely packed full of much
needed nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and ESPECIALLY fiber
(10% of your daily recommended intake in a mere cup). As well, broccoli is
considered a cool weather crop, meaning that it can thrive in early fall.
Broccoli can be prepared in many ways, from steaming them, to casseroles, to simply
eating it raw!
Another fine super-food to grow in your backyard garden this
summer is lettuce. That stuff normally found in salads is packed full of
flavonoids, which contains necessary antioxidants and cancer fighting
properties. On top of that, this leafy vegetable is good for your ticker as
well! In fact, one Harvard study concluded that by eating 8 or more servings of
vegetables a day, and being sure to include leafy veggies, one can reduce their
risk of coronary heart disease by up to 20%.
On the stronger side of thing, garlic is an extremely
healthy vegetable to grow in your own garden. While it may make your breath
stink to high heaven, garlic is packed full of sulfur, which not only gives it
that characteristic smell, but also helps to relax and expand your blood
vessels, which in turn can lower your blood pressure. Furthermore, the allicin
compounds in garlic are antibacterial and antiviral, which helps fight off cold
and flu. So, as long as you don’t mind the smelly breath, plant some garlic in
your garden for the amazing health benefits!
Finally, one of my personal favourites is the sweet potato.
This versatile veggie does an excellent job of stabilizing blood-sugar levels,
unlike its potato cousin. As well, it lowers the body’s insulin resistance,
making it great for a diabetic’s diet. On top of this sweet potatoes are loaded
with anti-inflammatory properties, which is great for conditions such as asthma
and arthritis. But the best part about this plump produce is that it can be
cooked so many ways! Bake it, mash it, fry it, the possibilities are endless.
By growing these delicious and nutritious super-food
veggies, you’ll keep yourself and your family healthy and happy. So what are
you waiting for, get growing!
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