A nutrition expert has shared one type of vegetables that can boost your immune system.
Root vegetables, brimming with essential minerals, are a powerhouse for health. These subterranean plants, which include sweet potatoes, beets, and garlic, offer a number of health benefits – making them a fantastic addition to your diet.
A TikTok video posted by healthokia – which is dedicated to sharing daily health tips and focuses on nutrition, wellness, and fitness – has delved into the specific minerals found in various root vegetables. These nutritious staples are readily available in the fresh produce section of supermarkets.
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The informative clip was captioned: “Root veggies are packed with minerals that support your health!”
It then went on to explain which nutrients could be found in which types of root vegetables. “Here’s the breakdown: The root veggie with the most Magnesium: Sweet Potatoes,” it explained. “The root veggie with the most Iron: Beets.
“The root veggie with the most Potassium: Potatoes. The root veggie with the most Zinc: Celeriac. The root veggie with the most Selenium: Garlic. Boost your health with these nutrient-packed roots!”
The clip has garnered 48,000 views and more than 2,000 likes. Users on TikTok have expressed their gratitude for the shared insights, with one commenting: “Great info for better health.”
Sweet potatoes, known for their starchy and sweet flavour, come with a thin, brown skin and vividly coloured flesh that can range from orange to white, purple, or yellow. They are rich in magnesium – a 124g serving of this root vegetable contains 19.8mg of the essential mineral, as reported by Medical News Today.
Every cell in our bodies requires magnesium to function properly, Healthline explains. But that’s not all – sweet potatoes also offer a plethora of other health benefits.
They could potentially lower cancer risk, support digestive and heart health, bolster the brain and nervous system, and they’re low in fat, making them an ideal choice for dieters.
Beetroot, or beets, are another food item you should consider adding to your meals. High in iron, a mineral crucial for the production of red blood cells that transport oxygen around the body, beetroot is a powerhouse of nutrition, according to the NHS.
Both the leaves and root of this vegetable can be consumed – while the leaves have a bitter taste, the root is sweet. Often used raw in salads, beetroot can also be turned into a healthy juice.
Besides being high in iron, beetroots and their juice have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increased exercise performance.
Potatoes, particularly when baked with their skin on, are an excellent source of potassium. One medium-sized potato contains a whopping 926 mg of this vital mineral, which enables nerves to respond to stimulation and muscles to contract, including those in the heart.
Potatoes, packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrates and fibre, also help reduce the impact of sodium on blood pressure and aid in nutrient absorption and waste removal. Celeriac, a root vegetable with a taste akin to celery, is perfect for mashing or adding to stews.
It’s a great source of zinc, which is crucial for skin health, immune function, and cell growth, and may even protect against acne and inflammation. This root veggie is also loaded with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is rich in other minerals.
High in fibre, celeriac is a good source of vitamins B6, C and K. Garlic, a common root vegetable known for its strong flavour, boasts several health benefits.
Selenium found in garlic supports healthy body functions, including metabolism, immune system, and thyroid function. Acting as an anticoagulant, garlic reduces heart attack risks, may inhibit cancerous cell growth, and could alleviate arthritis symptoms.
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