What vegetables have the most vitamins?
It is customary to call vegetables any edible part of a plant that has grown on the ground, but not on a perennial bush or tree, this is their main difference from fruits.
In different parts of plants, in accordance with their nature, an unequal amount of microelements and vitamins is contained or accumulated, which makes vegetables a very heterogeneous and sometimes contradictory component of the diet.
Vegetables, especially tubers and root crops, in a temperate and cold climate, are perhaps the only supplier of nutrients throughout the year.
They have the best properties in early autumn, but even in winter, and with proper storage until the next harvest, root crops do not lose their value.
Fruit vegetables, such as pumpkins and zucchini, are also characterized by good keeping quality.
The technology of growing greens is so primitive that it allows you to do it even on a windowsill or an insulated balcony, it will not be difficult and you can buy the required amount almost all year round.
For vegetables in the 20th century, a reliable method of storage was invented, they began to be frozen. Despite the reduction in the content of some vitamins by almost 50%, this method is gaining popularity.
The way vegetables are prepared is also very important.Not always and not all vegetables are pleasant to eat raw, and some only with a certain processing or in combination with other products fully reveal their taste and nutritional qualities.
The presence in food of vegetable fiber contained in vegetables gives an amazing effect of saturation even with a small amount of food eaten. The combination of meat or fish dishes with vegetable side dishes or salads significantly reduces the risk of unintentional overeating.
When planning your diet, in no case should you exclude other sources of irreplaceable substances: meat, liver, seafood, dairy products, eggs, cereals.
What vegetables have the most vitamin A?
Vitamin A belongs to the group of fat-soluble and in its finished form (retinol) is found in products of animal origin. Any liver, from cod to beef, fish oil, eggs, dairy products, can provide the body with this vitamin.
Vitamin A is found in vegetables in the form of beta-carotene. - a kind of blank for retinol, which is formed in the process of assimilation at the cellular level.
For a healthy body, the accumulation of vitamin A is a natural process, it is concentrated in the liver. The stock can be replenished and spent as needed.
The lack of vitamin A is manifested in the weakening of vision, a general decrease in immunity due to violations of protein synthesis and the activity of the cardiovascular system.
Often, retinol is called the growth vitamin, regulating the synthesis of proteins, it really affects the development of the child's body.
The list of vegetables needed to include in a balanced diet as a source of vitamin A is given in the table.
Vegetable | Vitamin A content (beta-carotene) | Use for baby food | ||
a lot of | present | located | ||
Basil (green) | + | - | ||
Melon | + | - | ||
Carrot | + | + | ||
Dill | + | + | ||
Dandelion (leaves) | + | - | ||
Mary white (green) | + | - | ||
Broccoli | + | - | ||
Brussels sprouts | + | - | ||
cilantro (greens) | + | - | ||
Green onion | + | - | ||
Sweet pepper | + | - | ||
Parsley | + | - | ||
Tomato | + | - | ||
Salad (greens) | + | - | ||
Celery | + | - | ||
Asparagus | + | - | ||
Pumpkin | + | + | ||
Spinach | + | - | ||
Sorrel | + | - |
The table does not include vegetables with a beta-carotene content of less than 20 micrograms.
In the last column, the “+” sign marks the vegetables necessary for inclusion in complementary foods for a child of the first year of life, they are also recommended for the nutrition of expectant and nursing mothers, for whom the intake of vitamin A is doubled.
Vegetables marked with a "-" sign are not recommended for use in baby food due to the specific effects on the child's body. In children older than a year, and even more so in adults, the use of these vegetables will not cause any undesirable consequences.
Fruits rich in vitamin C and B
Consider first vegetables, which are quite rich in B vitamins.
This is the name of a group of active substances containing nitrogen. The number of described B vitamins reached two dozen, as they were discovered and described, a number was added to them: B1, B2, B3, and so on.
In greater quantities, these substances are present in animal products, but are also present in some vegetables. A feature of these vitamins is the possibility of their synthesis by intestinal microflora.
Vitamins of this group are vital for high physical or mental stress, they help the body cope with stress by speeding up the reactions of energy metabolism.
- B1 (thiamine) affects the functioning of the brain, maintaining the tone of the heart muscle. Found in carrots, onions, radishes, red beets, beans.
- B2 (riboflavin) is involved in the regulation of many body processes: from hematopoiesis to the formation of the upper skin. The most rich in B2 are cabbage, tomatoes, green peas, lettuce, celery.
- B3 (nicotinic acid, also known as vitamin PP) is involved in the synthesis of enzymes and hormones, the division and growth of red blood cells. Present in potatoes.
- Panthenol (B5) supports immunity, participates in the formation of antibodies and wound healing. Almost completely destroyed during heat treatment. It is found in all green vegetables, the most rich in it are various varieties of cabbage and beets.
- B6 (pyridoxine) regulates the functioning of the heart, affects protein synthesis and cell division. Contained in potatoes, sweet peppers, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage.
- B7 (biotin) activates digestive enzymes. Contained in parsley.
- B9 (folic acid) is involved in metabolic processes, protein synthesis, hematopoiesis. Accumulates in the liver. Contained in potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, beets.
- Cyanocobalamin (B12) regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood, affects the course of processes in the central nervous system. People leading an active lifestyle should never ignore foods containing B12. It is not synthesized by plants, and lovers of a vegetarian diet will have to work very hard to provide themselves with this essential vitamin. Of course, there is a way out - this is seaweed, primarily kelp (seaweed).
We will not give the entire list of B vitamins, it is very extensive, and their effect on body systems is generally similar.
It will not be possible to meet the need for B vitamins with vegetables alone, here they are not competitors to animal products: meat, fish, eggs, dairy products.Significantly more than vegetables of these vitamins in legumes and grain products, some are present in mushrooms.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential vitaminnecessary for our body constantly and in large enough volumes. Vegetables successfully compete even with such generally recognized sources of ascorbic acid as citrus fruits.
Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency are described as a disease characteristic of polar explorers and sailors - scurvy. Collagen synthesis is disrupted, and tissues begin to lose strength. This affects the condition of the skin, teeth, and in the most acute form - muscles and bones. The first round-the-world and Arctic expeditions lost up to 50% of the crews only from a lack of stored vitamin C products. Losses among sailors from scurvy over the centuries exceeded combat losses.
The content of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in vegetables is presented in the table.
Vegetable | Vitamin C content (ascorbic acid) | ||
a lot of | present | located | |
Broccoli | + | ||
Cabbage | + | ||
Potato | + | ||
cilantro (greens) | + | ||
Sweet pepper | + | ||
Parsley | + | ||
Tomato | + | ||
Dill | + | ||
Garlic | + | ||
Spinach | + | ||
Sorrel | + |
The table does not include vegetables with a vitamin C content of less than 30 mg.
There is no ascorbic acid in animal products. Many fruits help to replenish the daily intake of vitamin C. This water-soluble vitamin is almost completely destroyed by heat treatment. It is possible to save a certain amount of it if you lower the whole vegetables into boiling water.
You will learn about which vegetables have the most vitamin C in the video below.
Where is D and E found?
Vitamin D is a whole group of fat-soluble vitamins. They are formed in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.The human body is able to independently provide itself with these vitamins, it is enough just to spend about an hour in the sun several times a day with a minimum of clothing. But this is where problems arise. In middle and northern latitudes, this is practically impossible. The solarium will save, but not everyone has enough time for its services. Enrich the body with provitamin D - the basis for the formation of a complete vitamin can be some animal products and conditional vegetables such as nettle and parsley.
The lack of vitamins of group D leads to disturbances in the absorption of certain trace elements (especially calcium and phosphorus) and manifests itself in serious metabolic disorders, which affects the state of the supporting system - bones and ligaments.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is also a fat-soluble vitamin, also presented in several forms. The main action of tocopherol is associated with its antioxidant properties, in other words, it helps to prolong youth at the cellular level. Tocopherol normalizes the activity of cell membranes, including the walls of blood vessels, which reduces the risk of blood clots.
A lot of tocopherol in a variety of fats. It is found in significant amounts in some vegetables: lettuce, asparagus, tomatoes.
Vitamin E is not destroyed by heat treatment, oxygen and sunlight are detrimental to it.
trace elements in vegetables
Trace elements are commonly referred to as substances needed by the body in microscopic quantities, primarily ions involved in numerous metabolic reactions at the molecular level. Many vegetables, especially leafy ones, are able to provide the need for these substances.
Vegetable | trace elements | ||||||||
Ca | Fe | mg | P | K | Na | Zn | Cu | Mn | |
Broccoli | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ||
Cabbage | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ||
Parsley | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ||
Dill | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ||
Spinach | + | + | + | + | + | ||||
Sorrel | + | + | + | + | + | + |
In other parts of plants, trace elements are somewhat less. The “+” sign means, indeed, a high content of trace elements.
In fact, in one quantity or another, trace elements are found in all vegetables.
Among the substances necessary for the body coming from vegetables, one cannot fail to mention omega fatty acids, the lack of which will nullify all efforts to rejuvenate the skin, hair and nails. Despite such a threatening name, these substances contribute to the burning of excess fat in the body, of course, if you combine them with physical activity. The richest vegetable omega fatty acids are celery, spinach, dill, cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes.
Food pairing tips
Consider how to achieve the maximum effect from consumed vegetables. Not all vitamins are combined, some are destroyed in the air, others from sunlight, and others from an increase in temperature.
A salad of boiled or baked pumpkins and carrots with vegetable oil or sour cream will replenish the body with vitamin A. Beta-carotene is much better absorbed in combination with fats.
Of the dishes rich in vitamins A and B, vinaigrette is considered.
The use of vegetable oil when filling will simultaneously accelerate the absorption of vitamin A and protect vitamin B from contact with air.
To replenish the constantly excreted vitamin C from the body, a fresh vegetable salad is best. His recipe is very simple. Salt and mash the chopped cabbage to give juice, add grated carrots and mix everything, you can add vegetable oil and herbs to taste.
Vegetables containing vitamin C (cabbage, greens) are very useful to combine with liver dishes, this allows you to maximize the effect of the iron that has entered the body, which is necessary for hematopoiesis.
Salt is not recommended for leafy vegetables, as juices are lost along with many trace elements, so it is better to add them before serving the dish, without mixing with its ingredients.
It is useful to serve chopped fresh tomatoes with baked potatoes. This unpretentious combination will help the simultaneous absorption of vitamins B and C.