Best Healthy Root Vegetables

Root vegetables have long been enjoyed as a delicious part of a healthy diet and there are a lot of healthy root vegetables.

Defined as an edible plant that grows underground, potatoes, carrots and onions are a few common examples that most are familiar with.

Root vegetables are truly natural, unadulterated sources of complex carbohydrates, antioxidants and important nutrients.

The edible part grows underground out of sight, so we often do not know if there is a problem until we harvest them.

Root vegetables have a lot of health benefits that may include helping to fight cancer, diabetes, obesity as well as inflammatory-based disorders like heart disease and arthritis.

Onions

Onions are popular root vegetables, serving as a staple ingredient in many cuisines.

Onions are fairly easy to grow. It is planting them that takes a lot of work.

They’re high in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. Research shows that eating onions may be associated with a wide array of health benefits.

What’s more, other research observed that onions may possess powerful anticancer properties.

Observational studies linking a higher intake of this root vegetable to a lower risk of common types of cancer.

Sweet Potato

These are probably most people’s top pick for a tasty root vegetable that has so many uses. 

Sweet potato benefits include a very high supply of vitamin A (they’re one of the best sources on Earth), potassium, vitamin B5, and vitamin C — in addition to fiber and slow-absorbing starch.

They also contain antioxidants/phytonutrients including chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins.

Even though they’re called “sweet,” they’re actually lower on the glycemic index than regular white potatoes and help stabilize blood sugar better.

Carrots

As one of the most well-known root vegetables, carrots also top the charts as one of the most nutritious.

They’re brimming with vitamins A and K, as well as the important antioxidant beta-carotene.

Eating carrots has been linked to improved antioxidant status and lower cholesterol levels in both humans and animals.

Carrots and carrot juice get their signature orange color from antioxidants called carotenoids, which are known for protecting the eyes and skin.

Carrots also supply lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants.

In addition to high levels of vitamin A, carrots also provide a good dose of vitamins C, D, E, and K — plus magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Beets

Beets are one of the most nutritious root vegetables available, packing a good amount of fiber, folate and manganese into each serving.

They’re also high in nitrates, which are beneficial plant compounds that can help dilate your blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.

Beets can enhance your endurance during athletic performance and help you recover from exercise better.

Beets naturally contain nitrates, which the body easily uses for muscle recovery, improved circulation, lower inflammation, and increased physical performance.

Turnips

Turnips are a delicious root vegetable and have been cultivated for centuries.

They have an impressive nutrient profile, being a great source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese and potassium.

Turnips contain a type of phytonutrients called indoles that are known to reduce your risk for cancer, especially of the prostate, lungs, stomach and colon. 

High in calcium, magnesium and potassium, they’re also a heart-healthy food that supports balanced blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Also Read: Top Health Benefits of Cauliflower