Today’s post will be a nice treat for all you foodies and nutrition nerds out there!
So let’s jump right in with a pretty simple question: Can you tell a vegetable from a fruit? *devilish wink*
In the world of food, there are quite a few plants that many people consider vegetables that are actually fruits – and vice versa. And oftentimes this confusion happens because people mistakenly think that the categorization simply comes down to a food’s sweetness when in actuality it comes down to its seeds.
So to break things down once and for all, check out what Merriman Webster has to says about what constitutes a fruit:
“Anything that grows on a plant and is the means by which that plant gets its seeds out into the world is a fruit.”
So in other words, if that tasty bit of produce that you’re about to put in your mouth has seeds, then it is a fruit – not a veggie.
And now you’re probably thinking: “Wow! So those zesty pickled cucumbers that I love (and crave at my “time of the month”) are actually fruit?!”
And the answer would be: Yes they are!
That said, can you now think of any other fruits that you’ve mistaken for veggies?
Keep scrolling to see which other fruits have been masquerading as veggies all along. You might be surprised at what you see below!
As always ladies, thanks for stopping by and it’s my pleasure to share this info with you.
Stay Beautiful!
XOXO,
Dr. Phoenyx
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are full of surprising perks for your skin, gut, and more. A single tomato provides approximately 40% of the daily recommendation for vitamin C which helps produce collagen and promote skin health. Also, tomatoes contain vitamin A, which helps boost immune health.
2. Avocados
Avocados are a powerhouse superfood that’s loaded with healthy fats, anti-aging and disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamins E and K, magnesium and potassium, fiber, and nearly 20 other different vitamins and minerals!
Hands-downs, avocados are another one of my favorite foods that I keep stocked in my kitchen all year round. In fact, avocados are so nutritious that I like to eat one a day by adding them to things like smoothies, salads, tacos, and spicy guacamole!
3. Bell Peppers and Chilli Peppers
Peppers have a ton of nutritional benefits! They’re low in calories and all varieties of peppers are excellent sources of vitamins A and C and antioxidants for healthy skin and potassium for healthy bones. Plus, the spicy varieties of peppers are a great way to liven up a bland dish.
Fun Fact: Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers (including chilis and cayenne powder), has been shown to boost metabolism as well as suppress appetite for healthy weight loss.
4. Beans and Legumes
Beans are loaded with protein which helps you feel fuller longer, as well as B vitamins which help boost energy and promote a healthy metabolism. Also, beans are packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, which supports healthy gut bacteria to keep your digestive system running smoothly.
5. Chickpeas
Chickpeas (the star ingredient in one of my favorites foods – hummus!) are a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber which offer a variety of health benefits including healthy digestion and healthy weight management.
6. Zucchini
Like cucumber, zucchini is another low-calorie and incredibly versatile fruit that does your body good! Just one medium zucchini provides over half your day’s worth of vitamin C, an important antioxidant that provides a host of health and beauty benefits. Also, because of its versatility in cooking, zucchini is often used as a delicious low-carb substitute for many high-carb dishes. For example: If you’re looking to cut back on pasta without sacrificing flavor, one healthier (and tasty) option is to swap out traditional pasta with easy homemade zucchini noodles to help significantly cut down on calories and carbs.
Quick Food Tip: When shopping for the best quality zucchini, make sure that you pick those that are free of wrinkled skin and soft spots. Go for the ones that are firm to the touch, 6 to 8 inches long and at least 2 inches in diameter, with skin that’s shiny and glossy. Lastly, to help preserve freshness, wait to wash your zucchini until you’re ready to use it.
7. Corn
Corn is great at promoting healthy digestion and regularity because of its rich fiber content. Corn also contains vitamin A for immune health, as well as potassium which can help prevent bloating and muscle cramps.
8. Pumpkin
Rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is another healthy (and tasty) fruit that does your body good! Also, the bright yellow/orange color of pumpkins is a dead giveaway that they are loaded with beta-carotene which our body converts to vitamin A to help boost immune health, protect eyesight, and promote healthy skin.
9. Peas
Peas are an excellent source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants that can help strengthen immune health.
10. Cucumber
With a healthy dose of soluble fiber, cucumbers are one of the most versatile low-calorie foods that can be used in many recipes to add texture and crunch. Plus, cucumbers contain over 90% water, which makes them an incredibly hydrating food for healthy skin!
11. Eggplants
This purple fruit isn’t very popular amongst shoppers but that doesn’t take away from the fact that eggplants pack a powerful punch when it comes to boosting immunity, anti-aging benefits, and more!
Anthocyanins, which are the pigments that give eggplants their beautiful purple hue, have antioxidant properties that can help fight inflammation and obesity. And eggplants also contain nasunin, which is another type of antioxidant that helps fight free radicals to protects cells from premature aging and may also support brain health.
12. Okra
Okra is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants for healthy skin. Plus, okra is also a good source of folate, which is a very important nutrient for pregnant women.
13. Olives
I love to snack on olives! Black olives are my particular favorite, and besides their savory taste, olives are also very high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants that help promote healthy skin and brain health.
14. String Beans (aka Green Beans)
String beans are rich in vitamin K, and they also contain a healthy dose of calcium, which are both important nutrients for maintaining strong, healthy bones and reducing your risk of fractures.
