Veggies12

Arthrospira platensis Spirulina is a blue-green microalga that is sold as a powder or tablets. It is one of the most concentrated plant foods available, with a protein content of up to 70%, plenty of iron and vitamins, and pigments with antioxidant properties. NASA even studied it as a possible food for long space missions. What exactly is spirulina? Strictly…

Medicago sativa Alfalfa, also called lucerne, is best known as a feed crop for livestock. Its young sprouts, however, have become a popular addition to salads and sandwiches, and the dried leaves are used in herbal supplements. Here is what alfalfa offers – and what to watch out for. What makes alfalfa special? Alfalfa is a legume, related to peas…

Cucurbita pepo Pumpkin is the vegetable of autumn, but its nutritional value lasts all year. It is very low in calories, rich in beta-carotene and works in sweet and savory dishes alike – from soup and curry to bread and smoothies. What makes pumpkin special? Its orange flesh owes its color to beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A.…

Daucus carota Carrots are inexpensive, available all year and liked by almost everyone – children included. They are also one of the richest sources of beta-carotene in the everyday diet, which is why they deserve more credit than a side-dish role. What makes carrots special? The orange color comes from beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A as needed.…

Beta vulgaris Beetroot is easy to overlook next to more fashionable vegetables, but it has earned its place. It provides folate, potassium and fiber, and its natural nitrates have made beet juice a favorite among endurance athletes. What makes beetroot special? Beetroot is much more than an ingredient for borscht. Two groups of compounds set it apart: dietary nitrates, which…

Broccoli is one of the most thoroughly researched vegetables there is. This close relative of cauliflower combines a lot of vitamin C with fiber and sulforaphane, a compound that has attracted considerable scientific interest. Here is what it can do for you – and how to cook it so you keep the good stuff. What makes broccoli special? Broccoli belongs…