Variety comparisons and diverse culinary forms, such as juices or dried extracts, determine the nutritional value and physiological impact of plant-based diets on systemic health.
The moment when you are standing in front of a ruined dinner and a mess in your oven may not be the time to ask why you need to pierce potatoes before you bake them. From the time you were a child, you likely saw your parents pierce potatoes with a fork or knife before baking them for your dinner, but didn't know why.
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Fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of the Nutrisystem diet; you cannot do the diet without eating them. Consuming fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower incidence of diabetes, which is important for obese dieters who are at risk for diabetes.
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Watermelon is a “vitamin” food. One serving per day provides a healthy dose of Vitamin A and C, a good helping of vitamin B6 and higher levels of the carotenoid lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.
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Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in varying amounts in chili peppers. When it comes in contact with your skin or mucous membranes it produces a burning sensation.
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The United States produced more than 32 million pounds of tomatoes in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although the versatile tomato is horticulturally a fruit, most people use tomatoes as a vegetable in salads or Italian dishes.
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Most fruits and vegetables are both pretty and nourishing. A plump tomato on the vine is an invitation — to make salsa, create a salad or liven up a sandwich. While it’s still on the vine, most people would undoubtedly think of that tomato as alive, but in fact, even after picking, fruits and vegetables remain alive.
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Bell peppers are a staple in most grocery store produce sections. You may have had bell peppers roasted, steamed or added to a stir-fry. But you don't have to cook bell peppers to reap their health benefits and bright, slightly tangy flavor.
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Malabar spinach has stiff, slightly spongy leaves reminiscent of chard. Because of its texture, it's best used cooked rather than in salads. Malabar spinach, also called Mong Toi, originates in India, where it readily grows on vines.
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Celery contains certain toxins called psoralens with potentially carcinogenic effects and goitrogens with potentially anti-thyroid effects. Celery is also one of the vegetables highest in pesticide content, unless it is organically grown, and is vulnerable to a kind of mold called mycotoxins.
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Spaghetti squash is easy to prepare and can be used as a pasta substitute for low-carbohydrate and gluten-free diets. This big, yellow, oval squash has flesh that comes out in long strings like spaghetti noodles when fully cooked.
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Spinach is a dark green, leafy vegetable that is packed full of nutrition. It can be eaten raw or cooked and served as a side dish, but it has also found its way to the center of main dishes. Spinach is a versatile vegetable, needs very little seasoning and is low in calories.
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Sweet potatoes are a good food choice for diabetics as they are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index have less of an immediate impact on blood glucose levels, and therefore can help diabetics control their blood sugar.
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The familiar green winter squash with orange flesh called acorn squash gets its name from its deep green ridges, as well as its wide top that gradually tapers to a narrow bottom. Combining the squash with butter and syrup highlights its sweet taste.
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Red raspberries are delicious sources of high levels of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. Unfortunately, certain individuals suffer allergic reactions to red raspberries, leading to several unpleasant and sometimes dangerous symptoms.
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Bell peppers make a flavorful side dish or snack, and roasting them in the oven helps draw out the rich flavors of these colorful vegetables. Peppers are low in calories, and provide a good source of vitamins A and C, according to the University of Illinois Extension.
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When you need a quick snack to fuel up, a fruit smoothie provides a nutrient-rich option. Adding a cup of fresh grapes to the blender gives the smoothie a sweet flavor and helps you meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s daily recommendation of 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit each day.
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Baked potatoes are a common side dish at the dinner table because they are easy to prepare and have a delicious flavor. Traditional recipes for baked potatoes require an hour or more in a conventional oven, but you don’t always have an hour to prepare a complete meal for your family.
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Collard greens are a healthy food chock full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They help lower cholesterol and detoxify the liver, according to Dr. Kevin Weiland in his book, "The Dakota Diet: Health Secrets from the Great Plains."
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Bok choy is a staple of many Asian dishes and particularly of Chinese food, where it's a common element of many stir-fry dishes. It's a member of the cabbage family and has thick white stalks and dark green leaves. Baby bok choy, a smaller variety, is more tender than the mature version of the vegetable.
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Try your microwave as a fast and easy alternative to baking or frying when you want to cook apple slices. You can eat the cooked apples plain right out of the microwave, or use them to make anything from applesauce to microwave apple crisp.
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