Super Vegetables to Super Boost Health
With warm weather comes garden-fresh, nutrient-packed veggies. And while all are delicious and nutritious, there are a few that stand out from their crowd for their super level of natural health benefits. Consumers have flocked to super fruits like blueberries and acai, and now we at Advanced Biotech predict that super veggies will soon become a new wellness trend. Clean label, sustainable, and flavorful vegetables packed with vitamins, minerals, and other holistic benefits promise consumers long-term, accessible solutions to many common health concerns. Join us as we explore a lineup of vegetables we predict will make the “super” shortlist this season.
Cucumbers
Crisp, refreshing cucumbers are a warm weather favorite and are a great addition to any summer salad. High in nutrients and low in calories, cucumbers are our first pick to earn the title of super veggie as they contain molybdenum, a component that aids the body in metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and amino acids, and vitamin B5, which helps the body to convert carbohydrates and fats into energy. This hydrating vegetable also contains act as a good source of copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, phosphorus, biotin, vitamin K, and vitamin B1.
Mushrooms
While technically a fungus, we think mushrooms are very deserving of the title of super veggie. Unlike most vegetables, mushrooms are rich in selenium, a natural component which can decrease inflammation, improve immunity, promote heart health, and decrease cancer risk. Mushrooms also contain a high amount of fiber, useful for digestion and weight loss, and are rich in vitamins B and D. Some mushrooms are also known to be adaptogens, natural ingredients that help to diminish the body’s reaction to environmental stress. Packed with umami and endlessly versatile, mushrooms taste great cooked or raw and can be incorporated into everything from salads to soups and pair well with proteins.
Bell Peppers
Wrapping up our list of nominations is the bell pepper. Crisp and juicy with a mild kick, bell peppers add vibrancy to any dish and can be enjoyed raw or cooked. Bell peppers are rich in carotenoids, a form of antioxidants that protect against cellular damage. They are also rich in immune boosting vitamins C and E, and are relatively low in calories while being high in fiber. Bell Peppers also contain a healthy dose of fiber, folate, and iron, making for a healthy snack with a satisfying crunch.
Move over super fruits, super veggies are the new way for consumers to get a daily boost of natural health benefits and delicious, fresh flavor into every meal.