Don’t Pass Up These Roots!

If you’re trying to eat healthy, you know that you need to eat more vegetables— but what kind? They’re not all created equal, after all. For some variety in your diet, why not try root vegetables? No, we don’t mean tree roots. Root vegetables include such family staples as carrots, potatoes, yams, and beets, but it doesn’t stop there. There’s a whole cornucopia of flavors grown beneath the ground:

Ginger.  In addition to adding a bit of sharp spice to your palate, ginger has long been thought to help treat arthritis, nausea, and heart conditions.

Onions.  These roots are nothing to cry over. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown to increase bone density, especially for older women.   

Garlic.  “The stinking rose” does more than keep you safe from vampires. Experts claim it can boost your metabolism, help prevent cancer and improve your cardiovascular health.  

Fennel.  It’s used in mouth fresheners and toothpastes, but it makes a lovely addition to your salad as well. Heavy in iron, fennel has been used in the treatment of anemia, indigestion and respiratory disorders.

Radishes.  As a garnish, these roots can make your salads or vegetable dishes really sing. If that weren’t enough, radishes are high in vitamin C and are believed to be helpful in lowering cholesterol, curing urinary tract disorders and increasing the supply of oxygen to your bloodstream.  And they are delicious when roasted with Brussels sprouts.

Ready to try some roots on for size? Here are a few great recipes to get you started.  If you have medical questions, please consult your doctor before changing your diet.