Different Types of Vegetables

Vegetables form an important part of our daily diet; the market is crammed with varieties of vegetables. Veggies are naturally good and contain lots of minerals and vitamins. They help in protecting our body against cancers, diabetes and heart diseases. Almost all the vegetables are low in fat and calories, none have cholesterol and many of them are great sources of fiber. The high levels of fiber in vegetables keep the digestive system healthier; allowing you to avoid issues with constipation. Since veggies are low on calories, it enables us to eat lots of vegetables without consuming excess energy. The presence of many vitamins and other substance in vegetables provide nutrients to the body. Vegetables provide essential amino acids which are required by the body for survival. A simple meal of spinach, beans, and whole grain rice is a great way to treat your body right. This gives us the energy to become more active and helps us produce more energy each day. Go through this article and understand the different categories of vegetables.

Bulb Vegetables
Bulb vegetables are aromatic vegetables which are used widely to add flavour to casseroles, broths, courts-bouillons and soups. Garlic, chive, spring onion, water chestnut, grey shallot and other varieties of onions and leeks come under the category of bulb vegetables. They derived the name because it is the bulbs that are eaten, not the leaves. Some of the bulb vegetables including garlic are known for their medicinal value and recent studies suggest that some of these help in preventing cancer. While buying them, look for those that are unblemished and free of mould or dark spots. These vegetables can also be stored for a longer duration of time.

Fruit Vegetables
Fruit vegetables are those which come under the category of both fruits and vegetables. An example is tomato which is a �fruit� by scientific means as they are developed from the ovary in the base of a flower as in the case of any other fruit. From the culinary point of view, they are termed as �vegetables� as they are used in savory other than sweet cooking.

Inflorescent Vegetables
Clusters of flowers that are arranged on a stem which is composed of a main branch or complex arrangement of branches are Inflorescent Vegetables. Its flowers, flower buds, stems and leaves are eaten as vegetables. These vegetables have great nutritional value and used often in casseroles, cooked as a side dish or is served raw to accompany salads. They are the perfect option for dieters as they are less in calories and are filling and hearty.

Leaf Vegetables
Also known by the name, �potherbs�, leafy vegetables are plant leaves that are eaten as a vegetable, sometimes accompanied by petioles and shoots. The number of species of plants with edible leaves coming up to one thousand, most of the leafy vegetables come from herbaceous plants such as lettuce and spinach. Leafy vegetables have high nutritional value though it is the presence of Vitamin K which makes it a viable option. Rich in vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting phytochemicals and fiber, it is effective for weight loss and helps you keep your hunger in check. It also helps in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure and slows down the process of absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. Containing plenty of water, it keeps you hydrated and helps in maintaining beautiful skin and hair.

Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are either roots or stems of the underground plants that are used as vegetables. They are actually, storage organs that are enlarged to store energy in the form of carbohydrates and among them, starchy root vegetables are of particular prominence. Widely available in tropical regions including West Africa, Central Africa and Oceania, they are usually smashed to make �fufu�. Those vegetables that are included in this group are sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips, jicama, leeks, and Jerusalem artichokes and beets. As they grow beneath the ground, they are highly nutritious, allowing them to absorb as many minerals and nutrients as possible.

There are numerous types and varieties of vegetables, all of them being the powerhouse of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Hope this article helps you choose those which in turn, will help you lead a healthy lifestyle.