Types Of Vegetables Here's an overview of the types of vegetables according to their family relationships. Related vegetables may seem dissimilar due to use of different parts of the plant, such as its stalk, leaves, or fruit. Closely related vegetables typically have similarities in taste and nutrition, although some will be unique within their family. What is a food family? The following types of vegetables can have unique properties, but each of these healthy vegetables gives you the excellent health
benefits of vegetables.
For other types of foods, see the list of fruits, list of grains, list of nuts and seeds, and list of meats and poultry. Allium VegetablesVegetables in the onion family are anti-allergy, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral!(genus: Allium) Chives AsparagusAsparagus is diuretic, detoxifying, and contains antioxidants.(genus: Asparagus) Asparagus Brassica Vegetables and Cruciferous VegetablesCruciferous vegetables, especially the Brassica vegetables, are the cancer-fighting vegetables. (More information.)Brassica vegetables (genus: Brassica) Bok choy Other cruciferous vegetables (family: Cruciferae or Brassicaceae) Arugula (rocket) Buckwheat FamilyBuckwheat is the basis for soba noodles and for kasha (roasted buckwheat groats). It is unreleated to wheat. Its surprising relative, rhubarb, has toxic leaves but its stalks are used for pies and jam.(family: Polygonaceae) Buckwheat Composite VegetablesMany of our salad greens are in the Composite family.(family: Compositae) Artichoke Goosefoot / Amaranth VegetablesThe Goosefoot family includes detoxifying roots (beets), seeds used as alternative grains (amaranth and quinoa) and highly nutritious greens.(family: Amaranthaceae / Chenopodiacae) Amaranth Gourd FamilyIn this nutritious family, the colorful squash and melons contain important carotenoids.(family: Cucurbitaceae) Cantaloupe Grass VegetablesGrains such as wheat, rice, and corn are in the Grass family, and so are several vegetable forms of these plants. For more information see the list of grains.(family: Poaceae) Bamboo shoots LegumesBeans and the legume family are high in protein and fiber.(family: Leguminosae) Alfalfa Mallow VegetablesOkra is a unique and healthy vegetable used in Southern cooking.(family: Malvaceae) Cacao Morning Glory VegetablesThe sweet potato is a complex carbohydrate, and its orange flesh contains carotenoids and fiber.(family: Convolvulaceae) Sweet potato Nightshade VegetablesThe good: colorful nightshade vegetables contain vitamin C and important antioxidants such as lycopene and lutein (and are fun vegetables).The bad: nightshade vegetables also contain drug-like chemicals called glycoalkaloids. (Nicotine, the glycoalkaloid in tobacco, is one example.) Glycoalkaloids cause joint and muscle pain in some people. More information on nightshade vegetables (family: Solanaceae) Culinary Vegetables Umbelliferous VegetablesFiber and phytochemicals combine in carrots, celery, and other umbelliferous vegetables.(family: Umbelliferae) Caraway Return from Types of Vegetables to Healthy Vegetables Return from Types of Vegetables to Getting Started With Healthy Eating Home |
Related Pages
Healthy VegetablesBrassica Vegetables
Nightshade Vegetables
Benefits of Vegetables
List of Fruits
List of Nuts
List of Grains
List of Meats
What are "Food Families"?
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