Eating lots of vegetables regularly is a must for your overall well-being.
While cooking them is the most preferred option, there's another aspect that you should also consider!
Research has found that some vegetables are a lot more nutritious when eaten raw.
Read ahead to learn more.
Needless to say, that a healthy diet is never complete if you don't add various types of vegetables to it. These are loaded with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may improve your health to a great extent. However, as per research, some vegetables lose their nutrients while getting cooked. So, it's a no-brainer that eating them raw is the best option if you want to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Kale: A widely popular cruciferous vegetable
Kale is rich in a special plant compound called glucosinolate that gets converted into isothiocyanates in your body - which is loaded with anti-cancer properties. Research has found that heating the veggie may restrict this conversion, and as a result, it loses the cancer-fighting effects.
Arugula: Loaded with a distinctive, peppery flavor
Arugula provides a lot of health benefits - such as promoting bone health, aiding in weight loss, supporting digestion, and more. Unlike many other veggies, it's more delicious when eaten raw. In fact, it is widely used as a topping for nachos, pizzas, sandwiches, etc. Also, you can get a lot more of the isothiocyanates from eating raw arugula.
Broccoli: High in anti-cancer properties
Broccoli contains a high level of vitamin C along with calcium, potassium, protein, etc. Regular consumption may help you combat skin issues, diabetes, heart diseases, and more. While it's mostly used to prepare a wide range of dishes, the best way to eat the veggie is raw. Or you can lightly steam the broccoli for a couple of minutes.
Watercress: Good for your heart health
Thanks to the unique flavor, watercress makes an ideal ingredient in soups, stews, stir-fries, etc. However, it's best eaten raw. You can add it toa sandwich or use it as a topping on pasta. Eating watercress on a regular basis may improve eyesight, lower blood pressure levels, support the immune system, and more.
Tomato: Contains an impressive number of antioxidants
Although tomato is botanically defined as a fruit, it's considered a vegetable by most of the nutritionists out there. It's loaded with tons of nutrients that may provide you with various health benefits. It contains a high number of antioxidants - which may get reduced when getting cooked. However, it's still mostly used to prepare a wide range of culinary preparations.
Apart from these, the list also includes Onion, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Beetroot, Bok Choy, Brussels Sprout, etc.
