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 Veggies A-Z

You've known that veggies are good for you ever since you were small and granny told you to eat all your greens.

But have you ever stopped to wonder what the specific benefits of veggies are?

Most vegetables are high in water and fibre, but comparatively low in calories. Thus they create a feeling of fullness without delivering the hefty load of calories delivered by high-fat foods.

And, like fruit, they're also fantastic sources of vitamins and minerals and cancer-preventing phytocemicals.

Artichokes
Pickled on a pizza or fresh on the side - artichokes are a fun way to tantalise your tastebuds and boost your iron levels.
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Asparagus
Did you know that asparagus could boost your immunity and help to lower your cholesterol levels? Learn more.
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Aubergine
Liven up Italian and Greek dishes with aubergine. And increase your folic acid and potassium intake in the process.
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Avocado
The avo is a natural source of monounsaturated fat, which makes it a heart-healthy food package. And it's delicious!
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Beans
The list of health benefits are endless when it comes to beans. Make a point of eating more of this magic food.
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Bean sprouts
A handful of freshly-sprouted beans can give an adult three-quarters of his/her daily vitamin C requirement.
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Bok choi
Love Eastern cooking? Then you're probably familiar with bok choi - a healthy veggie that can up your folate intake.
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Broccoli
Your mom was right: broccoli is indeed a super food. And the good news is that you can eat as much as you like.
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Brussel sprouts
Did you know that it's best to steam or boil Brussels sprouts in order to preserve the folate and vitamin C content?
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Butternut
The butternut has upped its game over the years and is now included in many gourmet meals. Here's why it's good for you.
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Cabbage
Cabbage has a high folate, vitamin B and antioxidant content. This veggie may also cut your risk of heart disease.
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Carrot
Carrots are extremely versatile. They're also cheap and easily accessible - and a great source of beta-carotene.
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Cauliflower
Lower your risk of cancer with cauliflower. This veggie is low in calories and can therefore also be eaten fairly freely.
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Celery
Does celery sticks conjure up images of horrible slimming diets? Maybe its time to change this negative perception.
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Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a great addition to salads and dips. These legumes can also help to lower cholesterol levels.
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Chilli
Love food with a kick? Then here's some good news: chillies can ward off infection and are generally really good for you.
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Cos lettuce
Cos lettuce is linked to a reduced risk of cancers and eye disease. This vegetable is also a good source of folate.
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Fennel
Fennel is a great addition to any fish dish and it's easy to grow. It also aids digestion and eases stomach cramps.
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Garlic
Garlic has many health benefits – it reduces blood pressure and also reduces the risk of infection and illness.
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Ginger
Nibble on some fresh ginger if you suffer from vertigo or flatulence. Or use it for its myriad of other beneficial qualities.
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Kale
Did you know that kale has the highest antioxidant ability of all the leafy green vegetables? Read on for more info.
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Leeks
Potato and leek soup is a great winter comforter. Up your folate and fibre while you're enjoying your soup.
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Lentils
Are you nearing menopause? Keep lentils in mind - they might come in handy. Find out why they're good for you.
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Lettuce
Lettuce aids digestion and promotes liver health. It can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cataracts.
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Olives
Olives and olive oils have become somewhat of a craze in recent years. Find out why olives are so popular.
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Onions
Did you know that raw onions have the most health benefits, but that cooked onions are also beneficial? Learn more.
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Parsley
Parsley is not only great for masking a nasty garlic breath, this herb is also packed with goodness.
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Peas
Peas help to steady blood sugar levels in the body. These funky veggies are also the richest food source of vitamin B1.
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Potatoes
Boost your energy levels with this great source of carbohydrates - and up your potassium levels in the process.
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Pumpkin and squash
Regain your enthusiasm for pumpkin and squash. Find out how these can lower your cancer and heart disease risk.
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Red pepper
Red peppers are sweet, tasty and a great addition to many dishes. They're also good for boosting antioxidant levels.
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Seaweed
Love sushi? Then you're probably familiar with seaweed - a good source of selenium, fibre and iodine.
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Shiitake mushrooms
These mushrooms add flavour to many different types of dishes and are low in calories. They're good in other ways too.
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Soya
Soya helps to lower the risk of heart disease and may reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers. Find out more.
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Spinach
Spinach is not as rich in iron as was previously thought – the result of a printing error. What else should you know?
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Sweet potato
Sweet potato with a hint of cinnamon is a delicious treat. These veggies are also cheap and loaded with nutrients.
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Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn is a good source of folate. It also helps protect against macular degeneration - a disease of the eyes.
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Tomatoes
Tomatoes are low in calories and a great source of antioxidants. They can be eaten baked, raw or grilled.
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Turmeric
Add a little spice to your life with turmeric. It's a good way to boost your intake of the phytochemical curcumin.
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Watercress
Watercress has many health benefits: it is a traditional treatment for eczema, cuts cancer risk and counters anaemia.
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White button mushrooms
Versatile, cost-effective, and oh-so-good for slimmers. Get the lowdown on white button mushrooms here.
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