Get the Most out of your Veggies!

A diet rich in a wide variety of vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer.  Here are just a few ways to make sure you’re getting the most benefit from those veggies on your plate.

First, save money by buying what’s in season.  The summer months are a great time to enjoy tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, greens, eggplant, corn, peas and peppers.

Another tip – wait to wash, chop or slice your veggies until you’re ready to use them.  Doing this prep work too far in advance causes loss of nutrients.

As far as preparation – use the least amount of water in cooking as possible.  Steaming your vegetables is a wonderful way to maintain color, lock in the vitamins, enhance flavor and for some vegetables like broccoli and cawliflower, steaming makes the texture more appealing to some.  Also, try sprinkling on some fresh parmesan or asiago cheese for a yummy flavor boost!