Ranging from leafy vegetables, to edible roots, stems, fruits and seeds vegetables are protective foods used to build and repair the body.

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and other greens are rich in iron, beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and dietary fiber. The darker the colored greens, the more nutritious and the higher the content of beta-carotene.

Key nutrients: Iron, chlorophyll, sulphur, Vitamin A

Benefits

Spinach builds blood, improves complexion and rids the body of toxins. It is a diuretic, and helps relieve constipation.

Key nutrients: Chlorophyll, iron, Vitamin A and C.

Benefits

Lettuce improves the quality of blood, helps detoxify the body and is useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

“Fruit” vegetables, such as tomatoes, squashes and peppers, contain ripened seeds of pollinated flowers. These are usually filling and yet low in calories.

Key nutrients: Calcium, phosphorus, iron, Vitamin C

Benefits

Tomato detoxifies the liver, purifies the blood and improves digestion. A rich source of Vitamin A, it helps treat eye problems. It is also helps control blood sugar levels (for diabetics) and reduces weight.

Key nutrients: Calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin C, iron

Benefits

Cucumber is a diuretic, it reduces toxins, purifies the blood and skin. It treats inflammatory conditions, including stomach inflammation, conjunctivitis, acne and inflamed skin.

Flowers, buds and stalks include celery, cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus. These plants are rich in dietary fiber and Vitamin C.

Key nutrients: Vitamins A, B and C, sulphur, silicon, iron

Very high in silicon, celery helps strengthen joints, bones, arteries and all connective tissues. It helps treat rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and nerve inflammations.

Key nutrients: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, Vitamins A and C

Benefits

Asparagus contains the diuretic asparagine, which eliminates water through the kidneys. It also helps reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Roots and bulbs are parts of a plant that store nutrients. Vegetables from this group are not generally low in calories, but are mineral –rich and filling.

Key nutrients: Sulphur, phosphorus, calcium, iron, Vitamin C

Benefits

Onion lowers blood pressure and cholesterol; treats dysentery; and is a common cure for respiratory disease. Iron is easily assimilated, and helps treat anemia.
 

Juice of the raw onion can be used externally to reduce pain and swelling caused by insect bites.

Key nutrients: Vitamin A, sodium, sulphur, chlorine, iodine, calcium

Benefits

Carrots improve vision, skin quality, and strengthen the teeth and gums. They also improve digestion and help purify the blood.

Key nutrients: Iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium.

Benefits

Beetroot helps digestion, reduces constipation and improves functioning of the kidney and gall bladder. The high iron content improves blood quality and reduces hypertension.

Examples are peas, green beans, okra and drumstick. These vegetables contain more protein than other vegetables.

Key nutrients: Calcium, phosphorus, iron, Vitamin C

Benefits

Drumstick strengthens the bones, purifies the blood, and treats asthma and other respiratory diseases. Its antibacterial properties help prevent infection.

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