Can You Have Too Much of a Good Thing When it Comes to Eating Vegetables?
Vegetables are often called “super foods” due their abundance of key nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Given their many heath benefits, it can be tempting to fill your plate with calorie-dense vegetables on a regular basis. However, you may be wondering if it is possible to eat too many vegetables.
The Answer
The answer is both yes and no. For example, there are certain vegetables that you should limit in your diet. These include: high-sugar, high-starch and overly-processed vegetables. On the other hand, there are some vegetables that you can eat in abundance, such as cruciferous, leafy green and tomato-based vegetables.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are powerhouses of nutrition and may help reduce the risk of disease. Because of this, it is generally recommended to eat 2-3 servings, or 1-2 cups, of these vegetables daily. Eating more than this is not likely to provide any additional health benefits.
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard and bok choy, are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. As with cruciferous vegetables, it is recommended to eat 2-3 servings, or 2-3 cups, of leafy greens each day for optimal health.
Tomato-Based Vegetables
Tomatoes, avocado and cucumber are examples of vegetable varieties that are mostly water-based and low in calories. These vegetables are often encouraged to be eaten in as large of quantities as desired. In fact, some studies suggest that eating tomato-based vegetables can reduce the risk of cancer and improve cardiovascular health.
In Summary
In conclusion, there are certain vegetables that you should be mindful of and limit in your diet, while others can be eaten in larger quantities. Eating 2-3 servings of cruciferous, leafy green and tomato-based vegetables on a daily basis is recommended for optimal health. No matter the vegetable, always practice mindful eating, as overeating any type of food is not beneficial for your health.
