Vegetables

A vegetable is a part of a plant that is eaten. A vegetable is considered a savory food. Vegetables come from many parts of a plant like roots, stems, bulbs, leaves, flowers, or seeds. Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and potatoes are roots. Asparagus, rhubarb, and celery are stems. Onions, leeks, garlic, and scallions are bulbs. Cabbage, spinach, and lettuce are leaves. The tops of broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are flowers. Corn, beans, and green peas are seeds.

Vegetables are important for nutrition. They contain nutrients to help you to grow and be healthy. Vegetables are mostly low in fat and carbohydrates. They are mostly high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vegetables are thought to help protect against diseases and the effects of aging. Vegetables may help to reduce the risk for heart disease, stroke, obesity, kidney stones, some cancers, diabetes, and bone loss disorders.

Vegetables add flavor, color, and variety to your diet. Broccoli, peas, green beans, lettuce, spinach, and zucchini are green. Tomatoes, radishes, beets, and rhubarb are in the red group. Squash and corn are yellow. Carrots are orange. Eggplant is purple. Cauliflower is white.

People eat vegetables in many different ways. Some vegetables are eaten raw like in a salad or as a snack. There are different methods for cooking vegetables such as sautéed, roasted, steamed, boiled, and grilled. Some people add vegetables to other food like to make soups, casseroles, stews, main dishes, and even desserts.