Health & Life

8 Clean and Nutritious Vegetables You Should Grab at the Market: Fresh and Pesticide-free, No Worries!

Here are 8 types of clean, nutritious vegetables that are not heavily sprayed with pesticides. Home cooks can eat them comfortably without worrying about their health.

Administrator

17 December, 2023

140

Pumpkins

Fruits belonging to the pumpkin family are usually less susceptible to pests, so they do not require extensive pesticide use. They are characterized by their thick skin, which protects the inner flesh from harmful substances in the surrounding environment.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes can be prepared into various delicious dishes such as boiled, stir-fried with garlic, and they have high nutritional value that is not inferior to other leafy vegetables.

Sweet potato plants contain white sap inside which helps to repel harmful insects, so sweet potatoes require less pesticide use.

Lotus root

Lotus roots are grown in a water environment, so they do not require much fertilizer during the care process. They can absorb nutrients from the environment without requiring additional supplements. Due to being grown in a water and mud environment, lotus roots are rarely affected by pests and diseases.

Lotus roots have high mineral content, vitamin C, and fiber, which help cool the body and support weight loss.

Chrysanthemum greens

Chrysanthemum greens, also known as garland chrysanthemum, are often consumed more in the fall season. With a natural aroma, this vegetable has the ability to repel pests, so it requires less pesticide use to protect the plants.

In addition, chrysanthemum greens are also rich in nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, and calcium, helping to reduce stress, soothe nerves, improve skin, and enhance brain function.

Water chestnuts

Water chestnuts grow in a water environment and have a protective outer layer, so they do not require any pesticide use during the planting process. When used, only the outer layer is peeled off to extract the tender inner flesh.

Water spinach

Water spinach does not require the use of pesticides when cultivated because it contains a compound that repels insects. The leaves of the vegetable are green or purple and are usually used raw or cooked. The soft and nutritious stalks of the vegetable can be steamed, boiled, grilled, or stir-fried.

When smelled, water spinach emits a fragrance similar to that of young sticky rice. In China, it is also known as “Thai jasmine,” referring to the fragrance resembling fresh sticky rice. Water spinach is often preferred in the fall season.

Asparagus

Asparagus is not only rich in nutrients but also has many health benefits, including diabetes control, improving cardiovascular health, and preventing cancer. With almost negligible calories, regular consumption of asparagus also helps support rapid weight loss.

Especially, asparagus contains a unique enzyme that helps remove pesticides used by humans. This explains why asparagus is often not contaminated by harmful chemicals and can even be considered 100% clean. Asparagus can be processed into various dishes such as stir-fried asparagus with shrimp, bacon-wrapped asparagus, salads, and soups. Moreover, during the menstrual period, asparagus can also be used as a method to reduce menstrual pain symptoms.