Making the Most out of your Vegetables

We all know that eating our fruits and vegetables is the number one way toward improving health and aiding weight loss. Powerhouses of nutrition, fruits and veggies also have high levels of fiber, keeping your stomach full longer and your pipes cleaner. They aid in detoxifying your body and making sure that it has the proper amount of minerals and vitamins. However, not all fruits and veggies are the same--here are some great tips on increasing the nutrient value in your favorite good for you foods:

* Summertime is all about the watermelon. While it has a lot of sugar for a fruit, it is also packed with vitamins. Want to get the most bang for the buck? After you buy the melon, let it sit out on the counter for four or five days. The lycopene and beta-carotene can increase by almost 200%

* It's true'organic fruits and vegetables contain more vitamins than their genetically modified and conventionally grown alternatives, especially if the organic produce is local. How to make sure the produce is in the right bin? Check the numbers'the first number on the sticker should be 9 if it's organic, while GMO produce stickers start with an 8 and conventional begins with a 3 or 4.

* Get the most bang for your buck by incorporating the most nutritious vegetables into your diet. Here are the top ten super food vegetables: Kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, green and red peppers, cauliflower, garlic and onions, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green peas, and carrots.

* Sprouts are a wonderful and nutrient rich addition to a healthy diet. They are packed full of enzymes, chlorofyll, minerals, vitamin A, and potassium. Sprouts are also easy to grow at home, can be eaten in salads, sandwiches, and on top of soups and stir fry. There are dozens of kinds of sprouts, from spicy to sweet and they are such a powerhouse food for the body that they help you feel full and satisfied longer than most other kinds of food.

* When cooking veggies, instead of heavy sauces or a ton of salt, try using a squeeze of lemon or a dash of champagne vinegar. These acids break down certain chemicals in food, making them much more flavorful -you'll be surprised by how tasty your dishes are without the fat and sodium. In addition, lemon is a great detoxing agent for your body and vinegar is great for your digestion (unless you suffer from candida).


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