Sometimes root vegetables can get quite bad press. This is due to the fact that they have a higher carbohydrate level than many other vegetables. This meant that for a long time the only root vegetables that were really given any time in British kitchens were the ubiquitous potato and the carrot.
However, there is no reason to avoid root vegetables – they are packed with vitamins and minerals which makes them great for your overall wellbeing. In fact they are also good as weight loss tools. They are surprisingly low in calories but fill you up so you don’t need to overeat to get the sustenance you need.
In hearty winter soups or cooked as an accompaniment to lean meats they offer a plethora of different flavours and textures. High in fibre and vitamin C, they give your body a brilliant natural boost which can leave you feeling good all day. Here are a few examples and what they contain.
You might not consider onions a root vegetable, but of course they are. They are packed with the anti-inflammatory quercetin and contain probiotics which can help boost the levels of good bacteria in your gut. Another great choice is parsnips, which are a brilliant source of fibre and folic acid.
Sweet potato is a real winner when it comes to flavour, but it’s also great for you with lots of vitamins A, C and E. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes count towards your five-a-day. Another good choice for vitamin C is swede, it is also reputed to have anti-cancer properties. Carrots have loads beta carotene, which studies have suggested can protect against certain forms of cancer.
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