Root vegetables, also called root vegetables, refer to vegetables that eat the root part including the stem. A variety of vegetables commonly found in the vicinity fall under these root vegetables, and are known to have various beneficial effects on the immune system and our body because of their high content of various vitamins and minerals as well as vegetables used in ssam vegetables and salads. Now, let’s take a look at the various types of vegetables that are root vegetables and what kind of effects they have.
Types of root vegetables and their effects
1. Carrot
The first root vegetable I would like to introduce is carrots. Carrots, which are widely used as ingredients for various dishes with their distinctive orange color, contain a rich content ratio of beta-carotene, which has strong antioxidant power, which helps to manage immunity through free radical removal and reduce the risk of cancer. do. In addition, this beta-carotene component is converted into vitamin A during the process of absorption into the body, which is said to have a good effect in protecting eyesight and relieving eye fatigue. The rich beta-carotene component in carrots is known to be contained in the peel, so it has the advantage that absorption rate can be further increased if consumed with the peel after washing. In addition, beta-carotene has the characteristic of being fat-soluble, so it is said to be more effective in increasing absorption even when taken with oil.
2. Beet
The second root vegetable I would like to introduce is beets. Beetroot, which has a distinctive red color and crunchy texture, has a high content of betaine. This betaine component has about eight times the antioxidant power of tomatoes, preventing damage to cells caused by free radicals and preventing lung cancer. It is said to help prevent cancers such as
In addition to betaine, beets are also rich in various essential minerals and dietary fiber, and are known to be effective in the discharge of waste products from blood vessels, inhibition of inflammation, and removal of toxins. The fact that beets are used a lot as a material for detox juice to remove toxins and harmful substances from the body is closely related to this excellent detox effect.
3. lotus root
The lotus root, which is widely used as an ingredient in various dishes such as stir-fry, pan-fried rice, and vegetables, is also known as a representative vegetable of root vegetables. Lotus root is high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. If you consume about 100g, you can consume more than half of your daily vitamin C intake. In addition, lotus root is rich in mucin, a sticky mucus component, as well as high in dietary fiber, which is said to help protect the gastric mucosa, promote digestion, and prevent constipation.
4. Burdock
Burdock root, a delicacy with a savory and crunchy texture, is also known as a representative root vegetable. It is said that the inulin component contained in burdock helps to control the discharge of cholesterol and blood sugar, thereby preventing various adult diseases such as vascular diseases and diabetes. In addition, burdock has a high content of lignin, a type of dietary fiber, which helps to maintain intestinal cleanliness by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine, and promotes intestinal peristalsis to prevent constipation. In addition, burdock has a high content of saponin, a major component of ginseng and a physiologically active substance closely related to immunity, which prevents the absorption of cholesterol and has a beneficial effect on enhancing the immune system.
5. Radish
Radish, one of the most readily available vegetables and one of the most popular vegetables in Korea, is also included in root vegetables. Rich in vitamin C, it is effective in improving the immune system against bacteria and viruses entering the body, and it is also effective in preventing colds. In addition, enzymes such as amylase and diastase, which are abundant in radish, have the effect of decomposing proteins and fats, and are known to have beneficial effects on improving digestion because they enhance gastrointestinal function. In addition, the root of radish has a high content of dietary fiber, which facilitates bowel movements, helping to eliminate sukbyeon and prevent constipation.
6. Sweet Potato
Sweet potato, characterized by its sweet taste and soft texture, is a type of root vegetable and is widely used as an ingredient in various dishes, desserts, and processed foods. Rich in carbohydrates, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, it has excellent benefits such as recovery of energy, enhancement of immunity, and vascular health. In addition, insoluble and water-soluble dietary fiber is evenly contained, so it has a good effect on smooth bowel movement by promoting intestinal motility. It also has a low GI index, which is the glycemic index, so it is a food that helps you lose weight by maintaining a feeling of fullness for as long as possible. It is known that eating these sweet potatoes with the skin is effective. The peel of sweet potatoes contains enzymes that break down starch, so when eaten together, it not only improves digestion, but also has a high content of flavonoids, which is beneficial for smoothing blood flow through strengthening of blood vessels.
7. Potatoes
Potatoes, which belong to one of the four major food crops along with corn, wheat, and rice, and have a wide range of uses in various dishes and processed foods, are also one of the representative ingredients of root vegetables. As it contains three times more vitamin C than apples, it is said to help prevent vascular diseases such as high blood pressure and cancer, and reduce fatigue caused by stress.
In addition, starch, which can be said to be the main component of potatoes, has the effect of improving the diseases caused by excess acid in the stomach, and it is said that it helps a lot in recovering the damaged stomach. In addition, the high content of pectin, a plant dietary fiber, helps to improve the intestinal environment as well as improves constipation.
