Why are vegetables so good to you? 100% health benefits revealed

Article Introduction

According to an authoritative survey, among young people, as many as 70% of them are facing sub-health problems due to bad habits. 83% of them cannot clearly recognize the benefits of vegetables.

Long-term intake of unhealthy food may cause various health problems at any time. In terms of digestion, there is not enough dietary fiber to promote intestinal peristalsis and make our digestive system run more smoothly.

Staying up late and working overtime every day, I feel more and more tired, and my skin is not as good as before. I don’t take in rich antioxidants to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can’t reduce the damage of free radicals to the skin, resulting in skin aging, making the skin no longer firm, smooth and elastic.

If you don’t get food with multiple effects such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in time, you can’t effectively reduce the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

If you don’t clearly understand the nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and various minerals to effectively enhance immunity, you will not have resistance when facing diseases.

In fact, improving health is not as difficult as we think. Sometimes, some simple methods can have unexpected effects. Vegetables are the natural health treasures around us. The benefit of vegetables is that they are rich in various vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which can help us solve the above problems very well.

This article will dig deep into the 100% health benefits of vegetables. From enhancing immunity and promoting digestion to beautifying and preventing diseases, the magical effects of vegetables will be presented to you one by one.

We will introduce the various health benefits of vegetables in detail, so that you can easily master how to integrate vegetables into your daily diet.

health benefits of vegetables

health benefits of vegetables: Natural Shield of Immunity

As we all know, most of the causes of diseases are that we do not have enough immunity, and vegetables are the best natural products given by nature to humans.The benefit of vegetables is that they can play a key role in enhancing immunity, allowing us to resist well when facing the challenges of external pathogens.

The health benefits of vegetables are that they are rich in vitamins C and E, as well as a wide variety of other antioxidants. Vitamin C can directly participate in the functioning of the immune system, promote the production of white blood cells, and enhance the activity of white blood cells, enabling them to more quickly and effectively identify and engulf invading pathogens;

while vitamin E has a strong antioxidant capacity, which can protect cell membranes from damage by free radicals, maintain the normal structure and function of cells, and provide a stable internal environment for the normal functioning of immune cells.

They cooperate and coordinate with each other to continuously strengthen the immune defense line and effectively resist the invasion of external pathogens【1】.

Take broccoli for example, it is rich in vitamin C and sulforaphane.

Sulforaphane has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can stimulate the body to produce more immune cells.

Studies have shown that people who eat broccoli regularly have a significantly lower incidence of colds than those who do not eat it often【2】.

benefits of vegetables

health benefits of vegetables: The guardian of cardiovascular health

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is indigestible because the human body lacks the digestive enzymes needed to digest fiber.

Dietary fiber and lignin are inherent to plants and can be divided into soluble fiber and insoluble fiber based on their water solubility.

Soluble fibers include pectins, gums, mucilages, fructans, and some resistant starches. They are found in some fruits, vegetables, oats, and barley.

Soluble fiber has been shown to lower blood cholesterol through a variety of mechanisms.

the benefits of vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, making them ideal for disease prevention and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease【3】.

At the same time, Spinach is rich in folic acid,the folic acid in spinach can lower the level of homocysteine in the blood, and high homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease【4】.

health benefits of vegetables

health benefits of vegetables: Cleaners for the Digestive System

The digestive system breaks down and absorbs the food we eat, providing a steady stream of energy and nutrients to the organs and cells of the body, maintaining the normal functioning of life.

Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and other factors often overload the digestive system, leading to various problems such as constipation and indigestion.

Fortunately, nature has prepared natural “cleaners” for us – vegetables, the benefits of vegetables protect our digestive system with their unique nutritional value and magical effects.

Dietary fiber is a great treasure among vegetables. It acts like a scavenger of the intestines, promoting intestinal peristalsis, increasing stool volume, effectively preventing constipation, and keeping the digestive system smooth【5】.

In addition, the water content and low-calorie properties of vegetables also help maintain the normal functioning of the digestive system.

Carrots are rich in dietary fiber and carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in the body and is beneficial to the health of the intestinal mucosa【6】.

benefits of vegetables

health benefits of vegetables: Disease prevention pioneers

Excessive stress in life, environmental pollution and bad eating habits are always threatening our bodies, allowing chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes to grow quietly.

The health benefits of vegetables are that they are rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which are good at removing free radicals in the body.

They can reduce the damage of oxidative stress to cells and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

Antioxidants have also been shown to be useful in inhibiting various diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Exogenous antioxidants, such as vitamins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and some mineral compounds, are available in both natural and synthetic forms 【7】.

Take tomatoes as an example. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), sometimes called tomatoes, is a representative vegetable.

Lycopene in tomatoes is a powerful antioxidant that can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (especially tomatoes) may help reduce cancer and cardiovascular disease, so people attach great importance to the antioxidant compounds in tomatoes.

Studies have found that people who regularly eat tomatoes have a lower risk of prostate cancer【8】.

Disease prevention pioneers

health benefits of vegetables: The Building Blocks of Strong Bones

As we age, bone density gradually decreases, which makes every accidental fall or collision a serious health crisis, affecting our health and quality of life at all times. Strong bones are the basis of our actions.Nutrients play an important role in strengthening bones. The benefit of vegetables is that they can provide these nutrients.

Calcium is one of the most abundant elements in the human body and is the main component of mineralized tissue, containing more than 99% of the total calcium content of the human body. Calcium plays a key role in bone mineralization and is required for normal growth, development and bone strength. Without adequate calcium intake, bones become porous and prone to fractures【9】.

Scientific research has shown that vegetables rich in calcium include spinach, broccoli, etc【10】. It has also been proven that the benefits of vegetable can provide the human body with enough calcium to maintain healthy bone development.Magnesium plays an essential role in bone health. It opens the channels for calcium absorption, allowing calcium to enter bone cells smoothly and participate in the process of bone construction and repair.

At the same time, magnesium can also regulate the distribution of calcium in bones and blood, maintain calcium balance, and ensure that bones always have an adequate supply of calcium. Magnesium deficiency is associated with the development of osteoporosis, which is characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of fractures【11】.

Whole grains and dark green leafy vegetables are good sources of magnesium. Low-fat milk and yogurt also contain magnesium【12】.In this article, we mainly talk about the benefits of vegetables. For the benefits of milk, please check our article.

Preclinical studies have provided important insights into the metabolic activity of VK in the musculoskeletal system. Cell culture studies have shown that VK exerts anabolic effects in bone by increasing osteoblast activity and decreasing osteoclastogenesis.

In addition to enhancing osteoblast differentiation and activity, VK also directly and indirectly regulates osteoclastogenesis. It inhibits osteoclastogenesis by downregulating IκBα-dependent NF-κB and induces osteoclast apoptosis, while also reducing the RANKL/OPG mRNA ratio in osteocytes, leading to decreased osteoclast activity【13】.

health benefits of vegetables

health benefits of vegetables: Stabilizers of the Nervous System

The B vitamins are a group of 8 water-soluble vitamins. The body cannot store them, so they need to be replenished daily.

B vitamins are found in animal proteins, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and legumes. Overall, their functions can generally be divided into catabolism (energy production) and anabolism (production of biologically active molecules). They are key cofactors in axonal transport, neurotransmitter synthesis, and many cellular metabolic pathways【14】.

B vitamins are cofactors for many essential enzymes involved in RNA and DNA biosynthesis. B vitamin deficiency is believed to be a cause of various neurological diseases and multiple pathological conditions.

B vitamins are abundant in vegetables and they play a key role in the proper functioning of the nervous system【15】.

These vitamins are involved in the synthesis and metabolism of neurotransmitters, maintaining the normal function of nerve cells, making your thinking more agile and your emotions more stable.

Asparagus is rich in various B vitamins, such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and so on.Long-term deficiency of B vitamins may lead to problems such as memory loss and emotional instability【16】.

This also shows that the benefit of vegetables is that they can better maintain the normality and stability of the nervous system.

Health benefits

health benefits of vegetables: A powerful aid in blood sugar control

The benefit of vegetables is their low calorie, high fiber properties, which makes them an ideal food for diabetics and people with high blood sugar levels.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fiber is part of a healthy diet and can provide a range of health benefits, including preventing or managing diabetes.

This directly suggests that vegetables can prevent or manage diabetes because the health benefits of vegetables include the high fiber content【17】.

On the other hand, the American Diabetes Association currently recommends that people with diabetes consume a high-fiber diet (at least 14 g of fiber per 1,000 kcal) .

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes currently recommends that people with diabetes consume at least 35 g of dietary fiber per day (or 16.7 g per 1,000 kcal) ( 10 )【18】.

Bitter melon contains a substance similar to insulin that can help lower blood sugar【19】.

Many diabetic patients have better controlled their blood sugar by increasing the intake of vegetables such as bitter melon and combining it with medication.

blood sugar control

health benefits of vegetables: Natural beauty products

benefits of vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that maintain skin structure and function.Vitamins, carotenes, tocopherols, flavonoids and various plant extracts are reported to have powerful antioxidant properties【20】.

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize reactive oxygen species, which prevent oxidative damage to cells and tissues.Antioxidants protect the skin by producing a protective effect, helping to reduce environmentally induced skin problems caused by environmental stressors【21】.

The health benefits of vegetables are that they contain vitamins and antioxidants,The vitamins and antioxidants in vegetables are natural products for beauty and skin care. They can promote skin metabolism, reduce wrinkles and spots, and make your skin smoother and more delicate, with a natural glow.

Cucumbers are extremely high in water content and very low in calories, and have potential hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities.

Cucumbers can have a purifying effect by removing old waste products and chemical toxins that have accumulated in the body. Fresh juice can be used to nourish the skin, have a soothing effect on skin irritations, and reduce swelling【22】.

Many women take advantage of the benefits of vegetables by applying cucumber slices on their faces for beauty effects.In fact, you can also reap the benefits of vegetables by eating them directly. Eating cucumbers directly can replenish water and nutrients for the body and improve skin condition from the inside.

health benefits of vegetables

health benefits of vegetables: Guardians of Dental Health

Fiber-rich dietary intervention is associated with a reduction in clinical indicators of periodontal disease, especially inflammatory indicators. This suggests that dietary fiber has a good therapeutic effect as an intervention measure for inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease【23】.

The benefit of vegetables is that they are rich in fiber, even high in fiber, which helps intervention measures for inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease.

On the other hand,The fiber in vegetables can clean the tooth surface, remove dental plaque, and prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease during chewing.

At the same time, vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which also helps to maintain healthy gums and make your smile brighter【24】.

Celery is rich in crude fiber. Chewing it is like doing a “spring cleaning” for your teeth, making your teeth whiter and healthier.

health benefits of vegetables

health benefits of vegetables Summary

The health benefits of vegetables protect our health in all aspects. From enhancing immunity and preventing diseases to promoting digestion and maintaining normal body metabolism, etc.

In this article, we have briefly introduced the benefits of vegetables from 9 aspects. Vegetables have more health benefits. I hope everyone can realize the importance of vegetables and increase the intake of vegetables in their daily diet.

Let us start from now on, embrace the health benefits of vegetables, make vegetables an indispensable part of our lives, and open a new chapter of healthy and beautiful life together.

health benefits of vegetables

Author’s words:

Now that you’re armed with the many health benefits of vegetables, it’s time to incorporate them into your daily diet.

Try a new vegetable recipe every day to diversify your vegetable diet, or eat vegetables as a snack for a healthy and delicious meal.

If you like this article and want to learn more about healthy eating and lifestyle, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel! We will regularly share more practical health knowledge and life tips. At the same time, welcome to visit our mall and choose your favorite health products to add points to your healthy life!

Let us use vegetables to improve our health!

References

【1】Khalid W, Arshad MS, Ranjha MMAN, Różańska MB, Irfan S, Shafique B, Rahim MA, Khalid MZ, Abdi G, Kowalczewski PŁ. Functional constituents of plant-based foods boost immunity against acute and chronic disorders. Open Life Sci. 2022 Sep 8;17(1):1075-1093. doi: 10.1515/biol-2022-0104. PMID: 36133422; PMCID: PMC9462539.

【2】Syed RU, Moni SS, Break MKB, Khojali WMA, Jafar M, Alshammari MD, Abdelsalam K, Taymour S, Alreshidi KSM, Elhassan Taha MM, Mohan S. Broccoli: A Multi-Faceted Vegetable for Health: An In-Depth Review of Its Nutritional Attributes, Antimicrobial Abilities, and Anti-inflammatory Properties. Antibiotics (Basel). 2023 Jul 7;12(7):1157. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics12071157. PMID: 37508253; PMCID: PMC10376324.

【3】Soliman GA. Dietary Fiber, Atherosclerosis, and Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients. 2019 May 23;11(5):1155. doi: 10.3390/nu11051155. PMID: 31126110; PMCID: PMC6566984.

【4】Ward M, McNulty H, McPartlin J, Strain JJ, Weir DG, Scott JM. Plasma homocysteine, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is lowered by physiological doses of folic acid. QJM. 1997 Aug;90(8):519-24. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/90.8.519. PMID: 9327030.

【5】Guo K, Yao Z, Yang T. Intestinal microbiota-mediated dietary fiber bioavailability. Front Nutr. 2022 Oct 28;9:1003571. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1003571. PMID: 36386954; PMCID: PMC9651179.

【6】《Vitamin A and Carotenoids》

【7】Rahaman MM, Hossain R, Herrera-Bravo J, Islam MT, Atolani O, Adeyemi OS, Owolodun OA, Kambizi L, Daştan SD, Calina D, Sharifi-Rad J. Natural antioxidants from some fruits, seeds, foods, natural products, and associated health benefits: An update. Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Jan 13;11(4):1657-1670. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.3217. PMID: 37051367; PMCID: PMC10084981.

【8】《Tomatoes ‘important in prostate cancer prevention’》from BBC

【9】Vannucci L, Fossi C, Quattrini S, Guasti L, Pampaloni B, Gronchi G, Giusti F, Romagnoli C, Cianferotti L, Marcucci G, Brandi ML. Calcium Intake in Bone Health: A Focus on Calcium-Rich Mineral Waters. Nutrients. 2018 Dec 5;10(12):1930. doi: 10.3390/nu10121930. PMID: 30563174; PMCID: PMC6316542.

【10】《Calcium: Shopping List》

【11】Fatima G, Dzupina A, B Alhmadi H, Magomedova A, Siddiqui Z, Mehdi A, Hadi N. Magnesium Matters: A Comprehensive Review of Its Vital Role in Health and Diseases. Cureus. 2024 Oct 13;16(10):e71392. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71392. PMID: 39539878; PMCID: PMC11557730.

【12】《Magnesium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals》

【13】Alonso N, Meinitzer A, Fritz-Petrin E, Enko D, Herrmann M. Role of Vitamin K in Bone and Muscle Metabolism. Calcif Tissue Int. 2023 Feb;112(2):178-196. doi: 10.1007/s00223-022-00955-3. Epub 2022 Feb 12. PMID: 35150288; PMCID: PMC9859868.

【14】Hanna M, Jaqua E, Nguyen V, Clay J. B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine. Perm J. 2022 Jun 29;26(2):89-97. doi: 10.7812/TPP/21.204. Epub 2022 Jun 17. PMID: 35933667; PMCID: PMC9662251.

【15】Calderón-Ospina CA, Nava-Mesa MO. B Vitamins in the nervous system: Current knowledge of the biochemical modes of action and synergies of thiamine, pyridoxine, and cobalamin. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2020 Jan;26(1):5-13. doi: 10.1111/cns.13207. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31490017; PMCID: PMC6930825.

【16】Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy–A Review. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 27;8(2):68. doi: 10.3390/nu8020068. PMID: 26828517; PMCID: PMC4772032.

【17】《Fiber: The Carb That Helps You Manage Diabetes》

【18】Reynolds A, Mitri J. Dietary Advice For Individuals with Diabetes. [Updated 2024 Apr 28]. In: Feingold KR, Ahmed SF, Anawalt B, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279012/

【19】Kim B, Lee HS, Kim HJ, Lee H, Lee IY, Ock S, Kwon S, Kang SS, Choi Y. Momordica charantia (bitter melon) efficacy and safety on glucose metabolism in Korean prediabetes participants: a 12-week, randomized clinical study. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2022 Dec 14;32(5):697-704. doi: 10.1007/s10068-022-01214-9. PMID: 37009042; PMCID: PMC10050654.

【20】Schagen SK, Zampeli VA, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):298-307. doi: 10.4161/derm.22876. PMID: 23467449; PMCID: PMC3583891.

【21】Addor FAS. Antioxidants in dermatology. An Bras Dermatol. 2017 May-Jun;92(3):356-362. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175697. PMID: 29186248; PMCID: PMC5514576.

【22】Mukherjee PK, Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK. Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber. Fitoterapia. 2013 Jan;84:227-36. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.003. Epub 2012 Oct 23. PMID: 23098877.

【23】Swarnamali H, Medara N, Chopra A, Spahr A, Jayasinghe TN. Role of Dietary Fibre in Managing Periodontal Diseases-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Intervention Studies. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 18;15(18):4034. doi: 10.3390/nu15184034. PMID: 37764817; PMCID: PMC10536522.

【24】Murererehe J, Uwitonze AM, Nikuze P, Patel J, Razzaque MS. Beneficial Effects of Vitamin C in Maintaining Optimal Oral Health. Front Nutr. 2022 Jan 10;8:805809. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2021.805809. PMID: 35083263; PMCID: PMC8784414.

Leave a Reply

WhatsApp us
×