VEG The nutritional powerhouses
We all know vegetables are good for us, but it’s not always clear how to get the most benefits from them. How many should you really aim to eat each day? What is a serving? Sue Quinn peels fact from fiction
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The evidence is clear: vegetables are nutritional juggernauts. From supporting the immune system to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, they can help us to live longer and healthier lives. But keeping track of the facts about vegetables can be challenging, as scientists continue to learn more about the ways in which they support health.
FIRST, THE BASICS…
Vegetables are low in salt, sugar and saturated fat, as well as being rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Says registered nutritionist Dr Laura Wyness: “Eating a variety of vegetables provides a range of fibres to support the microbes in the gut.” Fibre also helps you feel full for longer and helps to maintain a healthy weight. “So they can help stabilise blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes.”