Discover the 6 veggies a doctor believes everyone MUST include in their diet
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VanessaC
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Eating vegetables provides many health benefits, but are some better for you than others?
According to Dr Zac Turner, six vegetables in particular shouldn’t be left off the plate.
Dr Turner, who has Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of Sydney and his experience as a registered nurse and biomedical scientist, knows a thing or two about nutrition.
As a medical practitioner and co-owner of telehealth service Concierge Doctors, he fields many questions from patients about what food they should be eating more of.
He shared a question about whether some vegetables are more nutritious than others.
And Dr Turner says that not all vegetables are created equal.
‘Just because they share the same description doesn’t mean they share the same nutritional value,’ he said.
He added that nutrition is all about balance and that there is a need to incorporate a variety of vegetables in one’s diet to ensure they receive a wide range of nutrients.
He also believed that vegetables should have a Health Star Rating like junk food. He said he’d give potatoes a 2.5-star rating and capsicum a 4-star rating.
Below are the vegetables Dr Turner said he’d give a 5-star rating:
1. Broccoli
This crunchy green contains a compound called sulforaphane that may help prevent cancer. Broccoli is also known to be chock-full of vitamins and minerals.
2. Brussels Sprouts
These contain kaempferol, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and may decrease inflammation. Brussels sprouts are also high in fibre and many other essential nutrients, which can help prevent chronic disease.
This leafy green is rich in vitamin K and antioxidants that benefit a person’s heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Beetroot
They contain nitrates and several nutrients to boost athletic performance and improve blood sugar levels.
5. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which may help lessen the risk of lung cancer. This vegetable is also known to help regulate one’s blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
6. Rocket
Also known as arugula or rucola, this salad green is a nutrition powerhouse, and its refreshing and packed with a unique flavour compared with other leafy green vegetables. It’s also loaded with vitamin C, and a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and folate.
Members, what are your favourite vegetables? Share them with us in the comments below!
According to Dr Zac Turner, six vegetables in particular shouldn’t be left off the plate.
Dr Turner, who has Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of Sydney and his experience as a registered nurse and biomedical scientist, knows a thing or two about nutrition.
As a medical practitioner and co-owner of telehealth service Concierge Doctors, he fields many questions from patients about what food they should be eating more of.
He shared a question about whether some vegetables are more nutritious than others.
And Dr Turner says that not all vegetables are created equal.
‘Just because they share the same description doesn’t mean they share the same nutritional value,’ he said.
He added that nutrition is all about balance and that there is a need to incorporate a variety of vegetables in one’s diet to ensure they receive a wide range of nutrients.
He also believed that vegetables should have a Health Star Rating like junk food. He said he’d give potatoes a 2.5-star rating and capsicum a 4-star rating.
Below are the vegetables Dr Turner said he’d give a 5-star rating:
1. Broccoli
This crunchy green contains a compound called sulforaphane that may help prevent cancer. Broccoli is also known to be chock-full of vitamins and minerals.
2. Brussels Sprouts
These contain kaempferol, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and may decrease inflammation. Brussels sprouts are also high in fibre and many other essential nutrients, which can help prevent chronic disease.
3. Spinach
This leafy green is rich in vitamin K and antioxidants that benefit a person’s heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Beetroot
They contain nitrates and several nutrients to boost athletic performance and improve blood sugar levels.
5. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which may help lessen the risk of lung cancer. This vegetable is also known to help regulate one’s blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
6. Rocket
Also known as arugula or rucola, this salad green is a nutrition powerhouse, and its refreshing and packed with a unique flavour compared with other leafy green vegetables. It’s also loaded with vitamin C, and a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium and folate.
Key Takeaways
- Dr Zac Turner claims that vegetables are not created equal as different vegetables offer different nutritional values.
- The doctor suggested placing Heath Star Ratings for vegetables based on their nutritional value.
- He believes that balance is essential in nutrition, and it is important to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet to ensure you receive a wide range of nutrients.
- He also recommended six vegetables for their nutritional value—broccoli, brussels sprouts, spinach, beetroots, sweet potatoes, and rocket.