Three Versatile Vegetables That You Should Be Eating More Of

While we all know it’s important to eat the daily recommended dose of fruits and vegetables, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 9% of Americans are actually eating enough. It is recommended that adults consume two to three cups worth of vegetables per day, and it’s clear from the study’s results that there is a lot of room for improvement. If you know you’re within the overwhelming majority that don’t eat enough vegetables, here’s a look at three vegetables that you could be consuming more of.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms actually comprise a huge group of varieties, including such favorites as oyster, crimini, portobello, enoki, shiitake, button, and white just to name a few. They range in size, texture, and taste, making them extremely flexible. Mushrooms can be fried, grilled, used in stews and soups, in baked main dishes, used as a garnish, and even eaten raw. They also tend to be relatively inexpensive, depending on the type and time of year.

Another huge pro with mushrooms is their incredibly long shelf life, according to The Kitchen Advisor. Once you buy them from the store, they can last up to two weeks if they are stored in the refrigerator. This gives you plenty of time to use them up before they start to go bad.

As far as the health benefits go, they are a good source of iron, vitamin D, selenium, and they are very low in calories. Mushrooms even contain fiber.

Carrots

There are plenty of vegetables that really are an acquired taste, then there are those that tend to be enjoyed by all ages. Carrots definitely belong in the widely enjoyed category. Again, these are very versatile as they can be enjoyed raw, cooked, roasted, and even made into soups and purees. They are also extremely affordable, last a good long time in the refrigerator, and are easy to find in grocery stores no matter what time of year it is. They are high in fiber, vitamin K, and lutein.

If you’re looking for a way to add interest to your carrots without added calories, try experimenting with different spices such as rosemary, thyme, ginger, coriander, cumin, dill, cardamom, and star anise.

Peas

Here’s another vegetable that is surprisingly versatile when it comes to the way you can serve it, and it’s also packed full of health benefits. Peas contain iron and folate, both of which are important, especially for women. While there is certainly nothing wrong with eating peas the traditional way, i.e. by boiling them, there are lots of other ways to enjoy them as well. Try making a pea puree, mushy peas, add them to casseroles and soups, or even to a cold pasta salad for a refreshing meal in the summer.

Make an Effort to Add More Vegetables

Getting enough vegetables on a daily basis isn’t something that tends to just happen naturally. For most people, it requires a bit of thought and effort. Considering how many health benefits they offer though, it’s well worth the effort.