Meet 10 Indian vegetables that are powerhouses of health!

Zee Media Bureau/Udita Madan

New Delhi: Vegetables are something that we have been literally forced to eat ever since our childhood. But, somehow, that likeness for veggies still remains the same, which is none.

However, the fact that these vegetables offer us a wealth of benefits in connection with our health is also something not to be forgotten.

These superfoods pack a mean punch when it comes to nutritious components such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein and fibre.

Below, we have compiled a list of 10 such vegetables – and all that they provide us with – that we normally make faces at, but which are actually full of health! Have a look!

1. Ladyfinger/Okra/Bhindi:

Low in sodium and containing zero cholestrol, a 100 grams of this super veggie contains only 30 calories. Apart from this, Okra contains a slimy fiber, which aids in diabetes prevention and is also good for digestion. Because of its wealth of vitamin-rich nutrients and antioxidants, it is also good for the skin and even prevents cancer along with boosting immunity and maintaining good eye health.

2. Cauliflower/Gobhi:

Cauliflower comes from the same family as Broccoli. Lately, various studies have shown that it can prevent several different types of cancer, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. Again, low on calories, a 100 grams of this vegetable only has 26 calories, along with approximately 48.2 mg or 80% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C! It contains a number of B vitamins, as well as essential minerals like manganese, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium.

3. Bitter gourd/Karela:

This is one vegetable we're sure almost everyone muct have detested in their childhood days, however, this is even better. Because a 100 grams of bitter gourd contains only 17 calories! It helps prevent and cure diabetes and is good for digestion, while also being an excellent food for overall health and immunity.

4. French Beans:

An excellent source of fiber, a 100 grams of beans contains 26 calories and 3.4 grams of dietary fibre, which improves digestion, promotes weight loss, and lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. French beans also ensure a healthy pregnancy

5. Cabbage/Patta gobhi:

Also a descendant of the cauliflower and broccoli family, cabbage is full of good health. In fact, we're sure that many of you must have heard of someone or the other who has gone on a “cabbage diet”, wherein the main meal is cabbage soup. Why, you ask? This is because a 100 grams of cabbage contains only 25 calories. The nutrients and minerals in this green leafy veggie prevents various forms of cancer and controls cholesterol levels. Besides this, cabbage is also good for maintaining immunity and bone health.

6. Ridge gourd/Turai:

Another green vegetable, ridge gourd is known to purify the blood and boost liver health, thereby also being considered as an ancient cure for jaundice. Not only that! It boosts digestion, prevents constipation, improves kidney, spleen and bowel health and is even used as a home remedy for piles. Ridge gourd also acts as a natural cure to reduce blood sugar levels.

7. Spinach/Palak:

All of us remember saag (an Indian dish made with spinach) being force fed to us sometimes, by our grandmothers and/or mothers. Now we know why spinach was an integral part of our growing up years. With nutrients like Iron, Vitamins A, B, C, and K and a number of minerals and phytonutrients, spinach is considered as a powerhouse of nutrition. Every 100 gram has just 23 calories and a 1 cup serving has 10 times your daily requirement of Vitamin K, your complete requirement of Vitamin A and huge amounts of iron, folate, manganese, magnesium and copper. It is good for your eyes, bones, skin and tissues, while also preventing cancer, neurological problems and a number of diseases. It also aids in sperm regeneration.

8. Fenugreek/Methi:

Most of this list is made up of green leafy vegetables, but the truth remains that these veggies are actually a source of all that is good for your health. Another one that is known for its numerous health benefits is Fenugreek. It lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, regulates blood pressure and contains galactomannan, a compound that improves heart health and lowers blood sugar. Besides this, it also prevents constipation and relieves stomach aches and acidity and is an excellent natural remedy to eliminate toxins from the body.

9. Aubergine/Eggplant/Brinjal/Baingan:

This fiber-rich vegetable helps in controlling blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels. The plant compounds present in it prevents cancer, slows down ageing, reduces inflammation and keeps the brain healthy. Brinjals also contain natural nicotine which can also help you kick the butt!

10. Pumpkin/Kaddu:

No, its not just good to use as jack-o-lanterns on Halloween. In fact, one cup of Pumpkin make up 200% of your daily Vitamin A requirement! It improves eyesight, prevents cancer, acts as a shield to protect your skin, boosts your mood as well as your immunity. Good for blood pressure and heart health, they even help you sleep better.

Live healthy, eat healthy!