You are What You Eat!

Have you ever wondered why certain vegetables are considered beneficial for certain aspects of your health or wanted to know more about how to include specific nutrients into your diet? Look no further than this guide!

Vitamin: An organic molecule often found in plants that is an essential micronutrient that organism needs in small quantities for the proper functioning of its metabolism. 

Mineral: A non-organic molecule that is an essential nutrient that our body needs to work properly that is absorbed by plants from the rock and soil they grow in.

Antioxidant: a general term for any compound that can counteract unstable molecules called free radicals that damage DNA, cell membranes, and other parts of cells.

These are the vegetables we grow at B&P that you will find at Valentine Dining Hall.

Vegetable Vitamins it contains Minerals it contains Antioxidants it contains Health Benefits
Chard

Vitamins C, A,

K, E, and Folate

 Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Phosphorus Alpha and Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Choline Helps lower blood pressure, supports bone health, prevent cancer, manage diabetes, and improve athletic performance
Collard Greens

Vitamins B-6, C, A, K, and Folate

 Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium  Choline Helps improve sleep and mood, supports healthy skin and nails, digestion, prevent cancer, manage diabetes and improve liver function
Cucumber Vitamin K and Folate Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium Lignans and Beta-Carotene Aids blood clotting and bone health, helps manage cholesterol levels, and helps regulate insulin release
Eggplant Vitamin B-6, Folate, and Thiamine Copper, Manganese, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium Nasunin, Lutein, Choline, Beta-Carotene, and Zeaxanthin  Managing cholesterol levels, helping to support cognitive function, and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration
Kale Vitamins C, K, and E Iron, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus Alpha-linoleic acid, Selenium, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin Can help prevent and manage diabetes, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, supports skin, hair and bone health, helps prevent both cancer and age-related macular degeneration.
Onions Vitamins C and B-6 Manganese and Sulfur Quercetin Helps prevent development of cancer, regulate blood pressure, and helps support building collagen
Parsley Vitamins K, A, and C N/A Myricetin Helps prevent the development of cancer and diabetes, and helps support bone health.
Peppers (Sweet/Bell) Vitamins C, A, B-6, E, and Folate N/A Quertecin, Luteolin, Capsaicinoids, Beta Carotene, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, Beta-cryptoxanthin, and Lycopene Helps support eye health, helps prevent the development of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cardiovascular disease. 
Potatoes Vitamins B6, C, and Folate Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, and Zinc Choline and Quertecin Supports bone health, helps regulate blood pressure, promotes heart health, and boosts the immune system
Tomatoes Vitamins C, A and Folate Calcium, Potassium, and Phosphorus Lutein, Lycopene, Beta-Carotene, Choline, Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Zeaxanthin Help manage diabetes, promote eye and skin health, and helps regulate blood pressure.
Winter Squash (several varieties) Vitamins A, B6, and C Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Phosphorus Beta-Carotene Helps prevent and slow age-related macular degeneration and can aid in skin and immune health.
Zucchini Vitamin C Potassium Lutein and Zeaxanthin Helps lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, supports eye health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

*Summarized from articles in Medical News Today*