Power of Vegetables

If you have always advocated beetroots and carrots to your children, it is rewarding to know how nutritious these salads are. Not only are they full of vitamins and minerals, but they also do not add to the body fat. ASPARAGUS This is the perfect vegetable to eat if you suffer from bouts of water retention. Asparagus is loaded with vitamin A, C, K, B complex, potassium, iron and a few minerals. It also facilitates normal clotting of human blood and is an excellent source of plant protein. BEETROOT Beetroot is a powerful blood and kidney cleanser and works like magic on the digestive system. It is filled with natural sugars and complex carbohydrates, but most importantly it contains a few minerals and manganese, iron and potassium. It also contains amino acids like phenylalanine, lysine and valine. But do avoid raw beets as the oxalates can combine with calcium to form kidney stones. BROCCOLI If your immunities are weak, broccoli provides protection to the respiratory as well as the gastrointestinal tract. But it is best utilized when combined with some other juice. You can get the goodness of both fresh oranges and milk from the unique broccoli, as it is rich in vitamin C as well as calcium. It also has a high content of vitamins A, E, K as well as important minerals like selenium and potassium. Although it has high protein, it does not have enough amino acids. Therefore it goes well with bean sprouts. CABBAGE This vegetable is perfect for restoring energy and vitality. It has an amazing effect on the lower intestinal tract. It can help protect the immune system against environmental damage caused by cigarette smoke and chemicals. But be careful, as too much of it will cause gas problems. The humble cabbage is full of vitamin A, C and K, calcium, potassium and organic sulphur. It also contains a group of chemicals called goitorgens that cause enlargement of the thyroid gland. So avoid having it in large quantities. CARROTS Carrot juice is the most amazing natural liver cleanser. It also protects the respiratory tract, larynx and esophagus from environmental damage. It has high vitamin A content, which prevents night-blindness in people. Carrot also contains B complex as well as vitamin C, iodine, potassium, manganese and amino acids like arginine, valine, tryptophane and hisidine. CUCUMBER A beauticians secret, cucumber is excellent for facial skin. It also promotes the growth of healthy hair and nails. And of course, we all know the wonders that it performs on baggy eyes and dark circles. It contains vitamins like B and C, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. LETTUCE Lettuce is a very good tranquillizer for excitable adults and hyperactive children. It contains a good amount of Vitamins A, C, K and minerals like calcium, potassium, iron and iodine. It is also a source of protein. SPINACH Spinach is rich in Vitamin C, A and B complex. It is also abundant in minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and protein. But because of the presence of oxalic acid in spinach, it should be eaten with other sources of protein. Spinach also stimulates the liver and also has a laxative effect. But as the oxalates combine with calcium to form kidney stones, it is not advisable to have it in excessive amounts. TOMATO Freshly squeezed tomato juice is an excellent liver tonic. It cleans out all the toxins in your system making you feel light and fresh. It is also a source of vitamin C and minerals such as potassium and calcium. But always remember to have fresh tomato slices or juice, as preserved tomato loses its nutrition value.