15 Low-Carb Vegetables Registered Dietitians Love

“Leafy greens such as spinach, romaine, kale, and collard greens are great sources of antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals,” says Gans. Free radicals Atoms that damage cells and cannot escape. They’re in air pollution, chemicals, and even the sun’s UV rays. Over time, exposure to free radicals can damage your body’s cells, which can have a negative impact on your health. Consider foods rich in antioxidants, such as some leafy green vegetables. “Dark leafy greens especially provide bone-boosting calcium and heart-healthy folic acid,” Gans adds, citing two other health benefits of this low-carb food.

There’s a reason spiral zucchini has become a popular way to cut carbs in place of traditional pasta. A medium-sized zucchini has only 6 grams of carbohydrates.zucchini noodles It makes a great swap for spaghetti and lasagna in many recipes and helps keep blood sugar in check,” says Sassos. It also contains vitamin C, which supports the immune system.

Another low-carb vegetable that supports your immune system is broccoli. “a cup of Broccoli It has more vitamin C than an orange,” says Sassos. Pretty impressive, right?She also says broccoli contains lutein and zeaxanthin, is the key to eye health. That’s not all.Gans adds that broccoli contains vitamins e When K.both of which help protect against chronic diseases and illnesses.

Broccoli’s cousin, cauliflower, boasts just as many nutritional benefits without significantly increasing the carbohydrate content of your diet. says Guns.

mushroom Whether it’s the shiitake, button, or portobello variety, it’s truly magical. “Many mushrooms contain vitamin D, which sets them apart from other vegetables,” says Gans, adding that vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption.

Do you enjoy stuffed peppers, marinated Also blend in dipIt provides great benefits to the immune system.It is rich in vitamin C.“Because peppers are also rich in carotenoids, another antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, peppers may further reduce the risk of heart disease.” and certain cancers,” says Gans.

Asparagus is a low-carb vegetable that is particularly good for cardiovascular health. Also associated with lowering LDL cholesterolSassos offers pro tips for keeping asparagus fresh. Wrap the stem ends in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag before transferring to the refrigerator. This helps them last longer.This will give you more time to make Roasted asparagus with creamy feta cheese Or enjoy vegetables in other delicious ways.

Celery is more than just a vehicle for peanut butter and Bloody Mary garnishes.It’s an ultra-low-carb, low-calorie way to increase your fiber content. ApigeninStudies show that flavonoids can play a role in stopping breast cancer cells from inhibiting their own death by turning them into normal cells that die on schedule.

With a moisture content of around 96%, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating vegetables you’ll find in the produce section. The hydrating benefits combined with the antioxidant content make it a true beauty food. it is good for your skin“Look for firm cucumbers that are large in size and have a dark green color,” says Sassos. This indicates that the vegetables are the ripest and most nutritious.

“Certain nutrients found in cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables may help prevent certain cancers,” says Sassos. So far, 1 scientific study Americans from Poland who ate cabbage and sauerkraut regularly had lower rates of breast cancer than Americans who did not eat these foods regularly when they were younger.

Avocados are filling but not high in carbohydrates. Avocado half is about 8.5 grams“Avocados themselves are free of cholesterol and unsaturated fats. conduct ‘ might help to getbad cholesterol I’ll check in,” Sassos says. “according to Hass avocado boardavocados are also the richest known fruit source of phytosterols, important cholesterol-lowering compounds. This means that it can be added to

Brussels sprouts It’s become a staple menu item at trendy restaurants, so adding it to your meal ensures you’re getting plenty of fiber before the appetizer comes along. If you buy brussels sprouts to cook at home, look for firm, compact, bright green varieties. “The leaves cook faster than the core, so halve or quarter the leaves when roasting. If you’re blanching the whole thing, cut an X at the bottom of the stem,” says Sassos.

beats Another low-carb vegetable that Sassos says is worth including in your diet. Beets are a particularly good source of potassium, a nutrient important to both heart health and the nervous system. mosquito?Those hazelnut and goat cheese fettuccine.