Winter's Hidden Gems: Root Vegetables to Savor and Support Health

Winter is truly the season for root vegetables, which quietly grow beneath the soil. Packed with vitamins and minerals, they help us combat winter illnesses. Plus, they're low in calories and high in dietary fiber, making them perfect for weight loss. So, which ones will keep your immune system strong, improve your digestion, and reduce your sweet cravings? Here's the full guide:

Carrot

Carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, like Vitamin A, known for preventing illnesses and protecting the body, and Vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and bone building. Studies have shown that carrots help lower bad cholesterol levels. You can enjoy them as juice, in salads, soups, or even cakes.

Onion

The most common root vegetable that can enhance any dish. Onions have numerous health benefits: they're rich in fiber, Vitamin C (which boosts the immune system and prevents winter illnesses), and antioxidants. They also help reduce phlegm and cough. Use them in salads, soups, stews, and nearly any dish.

Sweet Potato

Though technically a vegetable, sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates but also plentiful in health benefits. They improve vision, help reduce stress, and are rich in dietary fiber. Orange vegetables like sweet potatoes are believed in complementary medicine to strengthen the spleen, which manages hunger and fullness, reducing the craving for processed sweets. You can bake sweet potatoes, add them to soup, or make mashed sweet potato or quiches.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is considered one of the most satisfying vegetables thanks to its high dietary fiber content. This fiber aids digestion and prevents constipation. Kohlrabi strengthens the immune system, balances nervous system function, and, thanks to its high potassium content, it's also great for heart health. Enjoy kohlrabi sticks as a snack, raw in salads, or even steamed.

Beet

Beets are among the most nutritious root vegetables due to their abundance of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and folic acid. They also improve blood circulation, heart health, and digestion. Use them in juices, salads, or as borscht – a Russian soup based on beets.

Potato

Potatoes are ubiquitous, economical, and readily available. They aren't suited to low-carb diets, but when eaten boiled, baked, or steamed in moderation without excess oil, they aren't fattening and are quite filling. Potatoes can be used in soups, stews, baked, or mashed. If you're watching your weight – skip the fries.