Root vegetables have long been enjoyed as a juicy part of a healthy diet.
Potatoes, carrots, and onions are some of the more common examples that are most familiar with what is defined as a commissible plant that grows underground.
Still, there are many more varieties—each with a distinct set of nutrients and health benefits.
Then here are 13 healthy root vegetables to add to your diet.
1. Onions
Onion is a popular root vegetable that serves as a main ingredient in many recipes.
They are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants (1).
Antioxidants are compounds that can protect your cells against oxidative damage and help with inflammation ( 2Trusted Source , 3Trusted Source ).
Research shows that eating onions can be linked to a wide array of health benefits.
Case in point, one study found that consuming 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw onions per day significantly reduced blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes (4Trusted Source).
What’s more, other research has shown that onions may hold important cancer-preventing parcels, with experimental studies linking improved intake of this root vegetable to a lower threat of common types of cancer ( 5Trusted Source , 6Trusted Source ).
Onions work well in a variety of recipes and can be effortlessly added to salads, stews, scrambled eggs, salsas, rice or pasta dishes, and more.
Summary Onions are rich in antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar
Circumstances and your risk of certain cancers.
2. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are vibrant and juicy root vegetables that are packed with nutrients and health benefits.
They’re rich in fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin A, and are a good source of several antioxidants, including beta-carotene, chlorogenic acid, and anthocyanins ( 7Trusted Source , 8Trusted Source , 9Trusted Source ).
A review of three studies found that eating 4 grams of white sweet potato extract per day for 12 weeks improved blood sugar control in people with diabetes ( 10Trusted Source ).
Due to their vitamin A content, some studies suggest that this root vegetable can also improve impaired function, protect against vision loss, and support skin health ( 11Trusted Source , 12Trusted Source , 13Trusted Source ).
Sweet potatoes can be baked, boiled, fried or roasted and can be enjoyed as a juicy side dish or added to everything from sandwiches to salads to breakfast colosseums.
