Revisiting the obvious
You might be one of two kinds of people.
Option 1: You needed nagging parents hovering over you all the time to get some veggies into you. Your parents might have had to make home made pizzas just to trick some into you! Honestly, it must have been a full ritual each meal.
Option 2: You loved your vegetables be it in your curry or your side!
If you belong to the second kind – Great job, you! Just take a minute to pat yourself on the back and continue the good work.
If you’re the first kind, don’t worry! It’s not too late and you deserve some sabzi in your life. Read on and you’ll recognise some facts that were repeated to you as a child. It’s time to get fit with these magnificent creations of nature.
What makes them magnificent creations of nature?
Apart from being just being awesome, vegetables are rich in fiber and nutrients. A diet that is rich in fiber can improve digestion, lower cholesterol, prevent cancer and heart disease (since they are rich in anti-oxidants). What is the deal with fiber and digestion, you ask?
Fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate found in foods. It can be one of two kinds – soluble fiber or insoluble fiber. As the name suggests, soluble fiber dissolves in water and can be metabolised but he “good” bacteria in the gut. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. Why is this important?
Well, bacteria outnumber human cells by 10 to 1. Don’t worry, this is good bacteria in the gut that breaks down fibre that otherwise can’t be broken own by our body. Why is this important?
Every other nutrient that is consumed in the body (be it carbohydrate, fat or protein) is broken down and consumed by our body before it reaches the gut. The bacteria needs to feed too, and it takes the otherwise indigestible fiber and breaks it down. This results in keeping the bacteria fed and the bacteria helps us digest everything we consume! In turn, these good bacteria produce nutrients that are really essential for our body! Neat, huh?
FIBER AND FAT LOSS
That doesn’t have you sold?
This will.
Yes, most vegetables are low in calories, which means you can eat a lot of them and feel just as satisfied!
Another fact is that fiber reduces your appetite. The high fiber content in the vegetables aids in this process. They soak up the water in the intestine, slowing the absorption of nutrients and increasing the feeling of fullness.
Pro tip: When grabbing a plate of food, fill half of it with vegetables eat time. This will help keep your calories in check more efficiently and effortlessly. You will feel full and that will prevent you from over eating or binge-eating!
Stay happy and healthy!
