Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Vegetables

Abstract

This article reviews and discusses the nutritional quality and health benefits of the major vegetable groups. Each vegetable group contains a distinct combination and amount of nutrients and bioactive compounds, distinguishing it from other vegetable groups and vegetables within its own group. Vegetables are considered necessary for well-balanced diets because they provide vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals. Vegetables in the daily diet have been strongly linked to improved gastrointestinal health, good vision, and a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic diseases such as diabetes, and some forms of cancer. Some phytochemicals of vegetables are powerful antioxidants that are thought to lower the risk of chronic disease by protecting against free radical damage, modifying metabolic activation and detoxification of carcinogens, or even influencing processes that alter the course of tumor cells. Nutrients such as potassium contribute to blood pressure regulation.  All vegetables have the potential to protect humans from chronic diseases. And can contribute to the resolution of many nutrition problems. Because each vegetable contains a unique combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds, a wide variety of vegetables should be consumed to ensure that an individual's diet includes a variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds and that all health benefits are obtained.