Beetroot, informally shortened to beet, is a deep-red root vegetable often used in soups, stews, salads and pastas. It tastes sugary with a mild tartness, similar to a combination of sweet carrots and fresh spinach. Pickle beetroot in malt vinegar to enhance its flavor and preserve it for later use.

Not only are pumpkin seeds safe to eat during pregnancy, but they also contain many of the most important nutrients for prenatal development. Add pumpkin seeds to salads, breads, parfaits and smoothies, or eat them on their own for a healthy snack. As noted in "The Ultimate Pregnancy Guide for Expectant Mothers,"

Steaming foods involves cooking them with the steam produced when the item is enclosed in a heated container. Cod is a firm, white fish that holds up well to steaming and pairs well with many flavors.

A healthy diet during pregnancy benefits you and your child by providing the needed nutrition for growth and development, while also supporting a healthy weight gain. Fruit provides your body with many of the needed vitamins and minerals, and dragon fruit, or pitaya, is a beneficial choice.

While green vegetables such as bok choy provide your body with many essential vitamins and nutrients, even healthy foods should be eaten in moderation.

Whether you bring vegetables home from the store or harvest them from your garden, proper storage is a key factor in retaining their freshness and quality.

Colitis results from inflammation of the colon and may cause bowel spasms or abdominal cramps. Ulcerative colitis inflames the walls of the bowel or intestines and leads to ulcers. Diet has nothing to do with the causes of colitis, but it can help minimize the symptoms.

In terms of nutritional value, bananas are rich in potassium, riboflavin, niacin and fiber, making them a nutritious snack. While baking a banana by itself will change the texture and temperature of the banana, the nutritional facts stay relative to the ripeness of the banana.

Apples are an affordable and versatile staple in the average American diet. Available in a range of varieties that differ in texture and sweetness, apples can add flavor to soups, salads or baked goods, or provide an easy and quick snack to be consumed on the go.

Sweet potatoes are a starchy root vegetable that possess a sweet taste and smooth interior texture. If you are peeling and cubing sweet potatoes in preparation of a larger meal or dish, it is important to soak them in water in the refrigerator to prevent them from drying out and keep them ready to use.

Papayas may have their origins in Central America, but they've become a staple of U.S. grocery stores for a reason. The bright orange flesh of this fruit is not only sweet and refreshing, but according to "Whole Living" magazine, one papaya contains almost three days' worth of vitamin C.

Serrano peppers pack some serious heat. A variety of chili about 5 times hotter than the average jalapeno, the petite serrano delivers quite a punch for its 1- to 2-inch size.