March 2, 2023
In order to stay healthy, consume fresh, seasonal vegetables unrestrictedly! However, it is not always easy to get actually, truly fresh vegetables, as most of the ones we find in markets and shops have been harvested the previous day, or even 3-4 days before. The best solution to get vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals is to grow them yourself in your garden, balcony or terrace, so that you can pick them just before consumption.
Indeed, lettuce can lose all of its Vitamin C in 2/3 days after being harvested. It is therefore better to consume leafy vegetables and “green vegetables” (salad, cabbage, spinach, legumes...), fruit vegetables (cucumber, tomato...) and herbs just after picking them. Root vegetables can be stored for a long time.
Most vegetables contain very low amounts of vitamins, but it is essential for them to be constantly present in our diet. Thanks to different vegetables, we can guarantee the right intake of Vitamin A, B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B8 and B9), C, D, E, F and K. Moreover, besides vitamins, vegetables contain several minerals, which are essential for the functioning of our organism: phosphorous, calcium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, selenium, etc.
In addition, vegetables also contain other essential elements for our health, such as fibers, enzymes and yeasts. Lastly, besides harvesting as close to consumption as possible, in order to best preserve the treasures of your vegetable garden, do not store them in the open air, exposed to sunlight nor to heat. Wash them without letting them soak; peel, cut or grate them only at the very last moment, then keep them covered when you cook them.
Now it’s up to you to keep your vegetables as healthy as they can be!