Boost the Nutrient Power of Vegetables

Spring has sprung and this is an ideal time to learn how to boost the nutrient power of vegetables. I have several tips for you. The question is: what order should I give them to you?

Should I give these tips on how to boost the nutrient power of vegetables based on potency or convenience? I’m going to opt for convenience.

My Top 6 Tips to Boost the Nutrient Power of Vegetables

Tip #1 – The greener the vegetable the more nutritious it will be. This means stop eating iceberg lettuce and instead eat spinach. Dark green leafy vegetables and ones that are vividly colored (purple, red, yellow, and orange) will provide you with a broad range of powerful plant nutrients.

Tip #2 – Juicing provides an easy way to consume a variety of vegetables. Most health experts recommend 2-4 servings of vegetables per day but who has time for this. Instead add them to your morning smoothie. I don’t like carrots raw or cooked but I add them to my morning shake with a cup full of spinach. Sometimes I add kale to the mix. This gives me 2 to 3 servings.  And when I add my frozen blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries I have my 5 to 8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Juicing also provides you with a “living broth” that is teeming with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, good bacteria, and micronutrients to provide a natural energy boost. Plus it makes it easier to utilize both the soluble and insoluble fiber to help improve your gut flora or microbiome.

Tip #3 – Eat vegetables that are in season. This is easier in the summer and fall then in the winter and early spring. And try to get your vegetables from the local farmers market. They will be fresher and at their peak nutritional value while helping to support your local farming community.

Tip #4 – Grow your own vegetables. While this can be a lot of work it can also provide you with a rich source of fresh vegetables. Initially choose vegetables that are easy to grow like carrots. Leave items like spinach for the grocery store. And remember animals enjoy the nutrient power of vegetables so make sure you protect your garden. This way you won’t end up with rabbits and squirrels that can bench press your guard dog.

Tip #5 – Sprouting is in some ways better than trying to grow your own garden. This can be done indoors with a good grow light or southern exposure to the sun. Sprouts are superfoods and offer nutritional components different from mature vegetables. Some of the easiest plants to sprout are alfalfa, mung bean, wheat grass, peas, broccoli, sunflower, and watercress.  This process can really impact the nutrient power of vegetables while helping your children learn about nutrition.

Tip #6 – Fermenting can turn ordinary vegetables into superfoods. The culturing process produces beneficial microbes that can help balance your intestinal flora. You can use either a starter culture or simply allow the natural enzymes and good bacteria to do all the work. However, most people prefer a starter culture since they see this as safer to their health.

I hope you found these six tips for boosting the nutrient power of vegetables helpful. If you have any additional tips, then please post a comment or send me an email.

Blessing Lives Through Nitric Oxide Therapy!

Dan Hammer