While we often focus on the leaves, stems, or fruits of vegetables in our daily meals, the roots are just as nutritious and should not be overlooked. The roots of many vegetables, though often underappreciated, are packed with health-beneficial nutrients. Here are five types of vegetable roots that we usually discard, unaware of their potential health benefits.
1. Carrot Roots
Carrots are a familiar vegetable to many, but their roots are often underutilized. Carrot roots are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin A, particularly beta-carotene, which improves eyesight and promotes healthy skin. Additionally, carrot roots are rich in potassium, helping to maintain stable blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function.
Carrot Roots
Carrot roots also stimulate the digestive system, enhancing the absorption of nutrients from food. You can incorporate carrot roots into soups or cook them with other ingredients to maximize their nutritional value.
2. Water Spinach Roots
Water spinach, a common vegetable in family meals, usually has its stems and leaves consumed, while its roots are often discarded. However, water spinach roots possess detoxification and cooling properties. According to traditional medicine, these roots can detoxify, cool the liver, reduce inflammation, and regulate the body.
Additionally, water spinach roots improve kidney function, cleanse the urinary tract, and aid in removing toxins from the body. They can be boiled for a drink or used in traditional remedies to treat certain inflammatory conditions or detoxify the body.
3. Sweet Potato Roots
Sweet Potato Roots
Sweet potatoes are not only nutritious, but their roots also offer various health benefits. Sweet potato roots are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, which improve digestion and help treat constipation. Additionally, they help stabilize blood sugar levels, contributing to diabetes prevention.
Sweet potato roots also possess anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe pain. They strengthen the body’s resistance and can be prepared in dishes like soups or boiled for a nutritious drink to maximize their health benefits.
4. Beet Roots
Beets are highly nutritious, and their roots are no exception. Beet roots contain high levels of betaine, which detoxifies the liver, cleanses the blood, and boosts the immune system. Research also suggests that beet roots can support the treatment of liver, kidney, and digestive issues.
You can cook beet roots with nutritious dishes or consume them as a herbal tea for detoxification and improved health.
5. Radish Roots
Radishes are common in daily meals, but their roots are often unused. Radish roots are rich in enzymes and fiber, improving digestion and supporting the body’s detoxification process. They also stimulate bile production, aiding liver function and relieving constipation.
Additionally, radish roots soothe stomach aches and reduce intestinal inflammation. To benefit from these properties, cook radish roots with other vegetables or include them in soups to add extra nutrition to your diet.
Although vegetable roots are often discarded during food preparation, they are highly nutritious and beneficial to our health. Carrot, water spinach, sweet potato, beet, and radish roots are valuable assets to our well-being, and utilizing them in our meals can enhance our nutrition and improve our quality of life. So, let’s start incorporating these vegetable roots into our dishes to make the most of their nutritional offerings.
Don’t obsess over buying big carrots: 5 smart tips from experienced growers
To select the freshest and most delicious carrots, pay attention to the following tips.
When buying carrots, look at this point, choose the right fresh and firm carrots.
White radishes are a popular vegetable, especially in the winter season. However, they tend to become soft and lose their deliciousness when not properly stored for a long time.
