Cucumber (español: pepino) is a widely-cultivated creeping vine plant in the Cucurbitaceae gourd family that bears cucumiform fruits, which are used as vegetables. There are three main varieties of cucumber—slicing, pickling, and burpless/seedless—within which several cultivars have been created. The cucumber originates from South Asia, but now grows on most continents, as many different types of cucumber are traded on the global market.
Nutrition Facts: 3.5 oz (100 g) of unpeeled cucumber
calories 16 carbohydrates 3.63 g fat 0.11 g fiber 0.5 g calcium 2% DV folate 2% DV iron 2% DV magnesium 4% DV manganese 4% DV niacin 1% DV pantothenic acid 5% DV phosphorous 3% DV potassium 3% DV protein 0.65 g riboflavin 3% DV thiamine 2% DV zinc 2% DV vitamin B6 3% DV vitamin C 3% DV vitamin K 16% DV
Coriander (español: cilantro) (Coriandrum sativum), also known as Chinese parsley or cilantro, is related to parsley, carrots, and celery. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most used in cooking. It may help lower blood sugar, fight infections, and promote heart, brain, skin, and digestive health. In the United States, Coriandrum sativum seeds are called coriander, while its leaves are called cilantro. Coriander seeds, extract, and oils may all help lower blood sugar. Animal studies suggest that coriander seeds reduce blood sugar by promoting enzyme activity that helps remove sugar from the blood. Coriander offers several antioxidants, which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. Some animal and test-tube studies suggest that coriander may lower heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Many brain ailments, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis, are associated with inflammation. Coriander contains antimicrobial compounds that may help fight certain infections and foodborneillnesses. Dodecenal, a compound in coriander, may fight bacteria like Salmonella, which can cause life-threatening food poisoning.
Nutrition Facts: 3.5 oz of cilantro (100 g)
calories 23 calcium 7% DV carbohydrates 3.67 g fat 0.52 g fiber 2.8 g folate 16% DV iron 14% DV magnesium 7% DV manganese 20% DV niacin 7% DV pantothenic acid 11% DV phosphorous 7% DV potassium 11% DV protein 2.13 g riboflavin 14% DV sodium 3% DV sugar 0.87 g thiamine 6% DV zinc 5% DV vitamin A 42% DV vitamin B6 11% DV vitamin C 33% DV vitamin E 17% DV vitamin K 295% DV
Celery (español: apio) has the scientific name Apium graveolens. is a vegetable in the plant family called Apiaceae. Celery stalks are the best-known part of this plant, but the green leaves and seeds are edible and beneficial too. Celery seeds are known to help lower inflammation and fight bacterial infections. Celery is high in antioxidants, beneficial enzymes, fiber, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and polyphenols. Celery supports liver, skin, eye and digestive health. Parts of this vegetable were administered in folk medicine as natural anti-hypertensive agents. Recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Celery acts as a natural detox tonic that may prevent sickness because of its hydrating qualities and high nutritional content.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup chopped raw celery (100 g)
calories 16.2 carbohydrates 3.5 g calcium 4% DV fat 0.2 g fiber 1.6 g folate 9% DV magnesium 3% DV manganese 5% DV potassium 8% DV protein 0.7 g riboflavin 3% DV vitamin A 9% DV vitamin B6 4% DV vitamin C 5% DV vitamin K 37% DV
Cashews (español: marañón) are commonly referred to as nuts, but they are really seeds, native to Brazil but grown in many other warm climates nowadays. They are rich in nutrients and are reported to help with weight loss, blood sugar control, and a healthy heart.
Nutrition Facts: 1 ounce (28 g) of unroasted, unsalted cashews
calories 157 carbohydrates 9 g copper 67% DV fat 12 g fiber 1 g iron 11% DV magnesium 20% DV manganese 20% DV phosphorous 13% DV protein 5 g selenium 10% DV thiamine 10% DV zinc 15% DV vitamin B6 7% DV vitamin K 8% DV
Almond (español: almendra) is the edible seed of Prunus dulcis, a species of tree native to Iran but widely cultivated elsewhere. It is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by corrugations on the shell surrounding the seed. Almonds are sold shelled or unshelled. Blanched almonds are shelled almonds that have been treated with hot water to soften the seedcoat, which is then removed to reveal the white embryo.
Thecarrot (español: zanahoria) is an humble root vegetable favored by Bugs Bunny and generations of parents. You can eat carrots raw or cooked. They are weight-loss-friendly and have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved eye health. Carotene antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer. Orange carrots get their bright color from beta carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts into vitamin A.
alpha carotene 2,120 mcg beta carotene 5,055 mcg calcium 20.1 mg calories 25 carbohydrates 5.8 g copper 18% DV fiber 1.7 g folate 11.6 mcg iron 15% DV magnesium 30% DV vitamin A 509 mcg vitamin E 0.4 mg vitamin K 8.1 mcg
Cabbage(español: col, repollo) (comprising several cultivars of Brassicaoleracea) is a leafy green, red (purple), or white (pale green) biennialplant grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense-leaved heads. It is closely related to broccoli and cauliflower; Brussels sprouts; and Savoy cabbage. Cabbage can be eaten raw, steamed, or pickled, as in sauerkraut or kimchi. It is low in calories and rich in nutrients, especially Vitamins K and C.
Nutrition Facts: 100 g (3.5 oz) OF CABBAGE CONTAINS
calcium 4% DV calories 25 carbohydrates 5.8 g fiber 2.2 g folate 43 µg (11% DV) iron 4% DV manganese 8% DV protein 1.28 g vitamin B6 0.124 mg (10% DV) vitamin C 36.6 mg (44% DV) vitamin K 76 µg (72% DV)
The brussels sprout (español: coles de bruselas) is a member of the Gemmifera Group of cabbages (Brassica oleracea), grown for its edible buds. The leaf vegetables are typically half and inch to one-and-a-half inches in diameter and look like miniature cabbages. They have long been popular in Brussels, Belgium, and may have gained their name there. Brussels sprouts are low in calories but high in many nutrients, especially fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C. They contain kaempferol, an antioxidant that may reduce cancer growth, decrease inflammation and promote heart health. Because of their high fiber content, they promote regularity, support digestive health and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. They are very high in Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone metabolism. The fiber and antioxidants in Brussels sprouts may help keep your blood sugar levels stable. They are a good source of ALA omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation, insulin resistance, cognitive decline and blood triglycerides. Brussels sprouts can be roasted, boiled, sautéed or baked. They are a good addition to pasta or stir-fries.
The blackberry (español: zarzamora) is an edible fruit produced by many species in the genus Rubus in the Rosaceae family. The taxonomy of the blackberries has historically been confused because of hybridization and apomixis, so that species have often been grouped together and called species aggregates. Blackberries are delicious just as they are with no more preparation than washing. They make a delicious and healthy addition to smoothies, fruit salads, or green salads. They are rich in fiber, manganese and Vitamins C and K. They are credited with improving brain and oral health. With a Glycemic Index (GI) of 25 and a Glycemic Load (GL) of 4, blackberries are an excellent food for weight loss and diabetes control. There is promising ongoing research that indicates blackberries fight cancer and help prevent heart disease. The leaves are rich in tannin and have antibacterial properties. They have been used medicinally since at least the time of the ancient Greeks. They are made into an astringent tea which is used to relieve sore throats, mouth ulcers, diarrhea and thrush.
Nutrition Facts: 3.5 ounces (100 g) of blackberries
calcium 29 mg calories 43 carbohydrates 9.61 g fat 0.49 g fiber 5.3 g folate 25 µg iron 0.62 mg magnesium 20 mg mangnese 0.9 mg niacin 0.646 mg phosphorous 22 mg potassium 162 mg protein 1.39 g riboflavin 0.026 mg thiamine 002 mg zinc 0.53 mg vitamin A 214 IU vitamin B6 0.03 mg vitamin C 21.0 mg vitamin E 1.17 mg vitamin K 19.8 µg
Asparagus (español: espárragos) (asparagus officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus. Its young shoots are used as a spring vegetable. It is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop. Asparagus is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It is a good source of Vitamin K, Vitamin B1 Thiamine, and Fiber. It serves as a natural diuretic, nourishes the digestive tract. It helps with a healthy pregnancy, helps fight cancer, and supports skin health. Asparagus can be eaten raw and makes a good addition to salads. Lightly steamed, blanched, or roasted asparagus is a delicious side dish with almost any meal.
calories 27 carbohydrates 5 g copper 13% DV fiber 1.7 g folate 17% DV iron 16% DV niacin (B3) 7% DV potassium 8% DV protein 3 g riboflavin (B2) 11% DV thiamine (B1) 13% DV vitamin A 20% DV vitamin B6 6% DV vitamin C 13% DV vitamin K 70% DV
When I switched to plant-based living after a lifetime of meals planned around a main course of meat, I immediately felt positive effects and found it surprisingly easy, even fun, to change my habits and explore new ways of enjoying food. Fruit and Stuff is a collection of some of the many things I have learned since I started the journey.
Even if you are not ready to give up meat, you will benefit from adding more plant foods to your daily meals. I hope you’ll find something useful here.
The most recent articles appear first on the Home page, and the tabs at the top of every page are for locating any article, past or present. The Glossary links to facts about plant-based foods, the Recipe tab will direct you to the recipe index, and the Resources consist of news and opinions about plant-based living.
Mary Ann Lesh