Vegetables can broadly be classified into four categories – leafy vegetables, root vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Each type of vegetable has its own unique set of nutritional benefits.
Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and minerals such as iron and calcium. Common leafy vegetables include spinach, lettuce, kale, collards, and Swiss chard.
Root vegetables are an excellent source of carbohydrates. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Common root vegetables include potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips.
Fruits are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of dietary fiber. Common fruits include apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, and strawberries.
Seeds are a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Common seeds include sunflower seeds, tomato seeds, bean seeds, cucumber seeds, squash seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
Growing your own vegetable plants from seed is a great way to get the freshest and most nutritious vegetables possible. It is also a fun and rewarding gardening experience.