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How many calories do vegetables have? Why are they so important on the menu?

Homepage Articles How many calories do vegetables have? Why are they so important on the menu?

How many calories do vegetables have? Why are they so important on the menu?

Vegetables and fruits are the most important parts of a healthy and balanced diet. The World Health Organization recommends that you eat at least 400 grams of vegetables and fruit a day. The Institute of Food and Nutrition recommends eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, three-quarters of which should be vegetables. Why are they so important?

Table of Contents

1. It's low in calories

Vegetables are low in calories, yet they have a high nutritional value.

2. The calorie value of the selected vegetables

Source: Kunachowicz H. et al., Tables of composition and nutritional value of food, Warsaw 2005.

3. It's a food bomb

Vegetables contain virtually all the regulatory components necessary for the body. First of all, they provide substantial amounts of vitamin C and potassium. Green vegetables are a rich source of iron, calcium, vitamin K and folic acid. Orange vegetables abound in beta-carotene, and red vegetables in lycopene.

4. The source of the fiber

Vegetables contain a large amount of dietary fiber, most of which is a water-soluble fraction. Fiber is a nutrient for bacteria that inhabit the large intestine and therefore supports the functioning of the digestive system. It also helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. It removes excess bile acids and slows the absorption of glucose in the blood.

5. High antioxidant potential

Vegetables are not only a source of nutrients, regulators and fiber, but also a wealth of biologically active substances. Among the compounds that exhibit antioxidant properties, you can distinguish between beta-carotene, vitamin C, phenolic acids, etc.

6. Secrets of health

Consuming a lot of vegetables is a secret to health and well-being. With their high nutritional density and powerful antioxidant potential, they help control body weight, prevent overweight and obesity, normalize carbohydrate consumption, and reduce the risk of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. They also affect the healthy appearance of hair, skin, and nails.

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Source

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