If you’re looking to boost your health, you should consider incorporating root vegetables into your diet.
Root vegetables are plants where the edible portion grows underground. These veggies store energy in their roots and are rich in nutrients. They come in a variety of flavours and textures, adding diversity to dishes both in terms of taste and nutritional value.
Examples include carrots, sweet potatoes, beetroots and celeriac. They all contain minerals good for your health – and we all know the importance of getting our five a day in! To prepare them, you can use a variety of different methods. Roasting, frying and boiling are some of the most popular ways to cook with the veg.
A health page on TikTok also advocated for the vegetables. It explained: “Root veggies are packed with minerals that support your health! Here’s the breakdown: The root veggie with the most Magnesium: Sweet Potatoes. The root veggie with the most Iron: Beets
“The root veggie with the most Potassium: Potatoes. The root veggie with the most Zinc: Celeriac. The root veggie with the most Selenium: Garlic Boost your health with these nutrient-packed roots!”
Since it was shared online, the video garnered 48,000 views with more than 2,000 likes. Some even thanked the page as one wrote: “Great info for better health.”
There is plenty of evidence to back up the benefits of root vegetables in your diet. Sweet potato is a starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable. It has a thin, brown outer skin with bright-coloured flesh – most commonly orange, but other varieties include white, purple or yellow.
It is rich in magnesium as a 124g serving of sweet potato has 19.8mg, according to Medical News Today. Magnesium is an essential mineral as every cell in your body needs it to function, states Healthline.
Studies show they may reduce the risk of cancer, support digestive and heart health and support the brain and nervous system. They are also low in fat, making them a good addition to your plate if you’re looking to lose weight.
Meanwhile, beetroots are rich in iron. The mineral makes red blood cells, which work to carry oxygen around the body. Both the leaves and root of beetroot can be eaten – the leaves have a bitter taste, whereas the root is sweet.
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium and antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. They are also particularly high in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese.
Or why not try celeriac, an anti-inflammatory root vegetable that provides plenty of zinc and vitamins that could boost your skin health, immune function, and cell growth.
Finally, garlic is a staple for many. Selenium is found in the common ingredient – which can help support the healthy functioning of your body, including your metabolism, immune system, and thyroid function.