Some Healthy Winter Vegetables

Jillian Kubala MS RD writes:

The 10 Healthiest Winter Vegetables
"Eating in season is a breeze in the spring and summer, but it can prove to be challenging when cold weather sets in. However, some vegetables can survive the cold, even under a blanket of snow. These are known as winter vegetables, due to their ability to withstand cold, harsh weather. These cold-hardy varieties can withstand frosty temperatures due to the higher amount of sugar that they contain. The sugar found in the water of winter vegetables causes them to freeze at a lower point, which allows them to survive in cold weather. Additionally, this process results in cold-hardy vegetables tasting sweeter in the cooler months, making winter the optimal time for harvest. This article takes a look at ten of the healthiest winter vegetables and why you should include them in your diet. 

Kale
Kale is a cold-hardy, leafy green vegetable that contains an impressive amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and are especially rich in vitamin K. They are high in alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that may benefit people with diabetes.

Carrots

Carrots thrive in colder weather. They are packed with vitamin A and powerful antioxidants that may help protect against certain diseases like prostate and breast cancer.

Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is very low in calories yet packed with vitamins and minerals. It also contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Parsnips
Parsnips are highly nutritious root vegetables that contain an impressive amount of soluble fibre, which has been linked to many health benefits.

Collard Greens
Collard greens have a slightly bitter flavour and are packed with nutrients. They are especially high in calcium and vitamin K, which are important for healthy bones.

Rutabagas/Swede
Rutabagas (swede) are root vegetables that are high in vitamin C and potassium. Increasing your potassium intake may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is packed with nutrients including vitamins A, C and K. It also contains anthocyanins, which may protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Radishes
Radishes are an excellent source of vitamins B and C as well as potassium. Additionally, they contain isothiocyanates, which may have cancer-fighting abilities.

Parsley

Parsley is a cold-tolerant green that is rich in nutrients. It also contains the plant chemicals luteolin and apigenin, which may promote brain health. 

The Bottom Line

There are several vegetables that thrive in colder weather. Certain types of vegetables, like carrots and parsnips, even take on a sweeter taste after being exposed to frost. These cold-hardy vegetables make it possible to fill your diet with seasonal, nutrient-packed produce all winter long. While any vegetable from this list would make a highly nutritious addition to your diet, there are many other winter vegetables that make great choices as well. After all, adding any fresh produce to your diet will go a long way toward promoting your health."

The above is only a snippet of Jillian's article to read it in full with all relevant links please see here

For even more details about vegetables you can always have a look at The World's Healthiest Foods website here. It is a leading source of information and expert on the Healthiest Way of Eating and Cooking, it is a not-for-profit foundation with no commercial interests or advertising. Its mission is to help you eat and cook the healthiest way for optimal health.

Regular readers will know that a variety of articles and recipe ideas, are within this blog. It is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan