[Article updated on 19/09/2023]
Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fiber. Consuming them regularly is essential to meet the nutritional needs of the body. Childhood obesity is one of the great evils of our time. Difficult to measure and evaluate with rigor and precision, this pandemic can be avoided with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and combined with regular physical activity. These factors promote the reduction of cardiovascular diseases, facilitate intestinal transit and reduce the negative effects of free radicals. In the following lines, I am interested in fruits and vegetables whose names start with “e”.
Vegetables whose names start with “e”
There are 3 vegetables whose names start with “e”. These are spinach, endive and shallot.
Spinach
THE green leafy vegetables are recognized for their beneficial health properties. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) contains vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds that promote health beyond basic nutrition.
Spinach is a proven source of essential nutrients such as carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), ascorbic acid, and various types of minerals. In addition, several studies carried out on the antioxidant activities of spinach conclude that they are a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Spinach is also a very good source of six essential nutrients: fiber, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, protein and choline. They are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B3, pantothenic acid and selenium.
Phytochemicals and bioactive agents derived from spinach are able to remove reactive oxygen species and prevent macromolecular oxidative damage, according to a study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Endive
Endives are small whitish buds with a yellowish tip. This vegetable of Belgian origin has a slight bitter taste and is excellent for preparing salads.
Endive provides carbohydrates and proteins necessary for the proper functioning of our body. In addition, it is a food rich in fiber, necessary to fight against constipation and regulate intestinal transit.
This vegetable also contains potassium, an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the nervous system. It also contains iron, which prevents the appearance of anemia. Additionally, endive is a diuretic food that helps purify fluids. This property is important in diets designed to combat obesity problems. It allows you, in fact, to lose weight by increasing the flow of urine.
Its vitamin content provides antioxidants that regulate blood circulation, prevent cardiovascular diseases and keep the immune system healthy.
Shallot
Practically identical to the onion, the shallot is a bulb distinguished by its elongated shape. The health benefits of shallots are due to the fact that they contain a large number of nutrients. Shallots are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.
A medium shallot contains only 44 calories, but provides a considerable dose of vitamins, minerals and fiber. This vegetable is particularly rich in vitamin C. It is a nutrient that regulates immune health, collagen production, tissue repair and iron absorption. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. It protects cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
Shallots are also rich in B vitamins, including folate (B9) and pyridoxine (B6). These play a key role in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function.
Fruits whose name begins with “e”
In French, there is no fruit whose name begins with “e”. Even though there is no fruit whose name begins with “e”, fruits are essential in the diet. Fruits provide vitamins, minerals and fiber, which are very important nutrients:
The fruits are distinguished by their high content of vitamins A and C. The first serves to develop vision and bones. The second helps strengthen bones and gums, in addition to repairing tissues. Remember that fruits are the main source of vitamin C, if not the only one.
Fruits mainly contain potassium and magnesium. Potassium helps nerves and muscles communicate. Magnesium is essential in human nutrition. It is involved in the body’s biochemical reactions. Iron is another mineral found in virtually all fruits, although in small amounts.
Fiber aids digestion and fights constipation. They help increase satiety, which is very important in the fight against childhood obesity.