You Ask, I Answer: Vegetables

I know that vegetables are good for us in a variety of ways, but sometimes I see the nutrition profile for a vegetable that really doesn't seem all that great.

Radishes, turnips, and eggplants in particular don't seem to have much going for them.

Are they worth eating for the sake of nutrition, or should we focus on the more hyped vegetables like broccoli and garlic?

-- Corey Clark
(location withheld)

All vegetables offer health-promoting components in some form.

While it is true that some can provide a day's worth of a number of nutrients in as little as half a cup, that doesn't mean others aren't worth bothering with.

Any vegetable adds volume to your plate without tacking on too many extra calories.

Remember, too, that nutrition profiles do not provide information on antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Eggplant may not seem like a big deal when you scan down its vitamin and mineral amounts, but those values don't show you what a wonderful source of anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenols it is.

And while radishes may not offer much in terms of thiamin or niacin, the antioxidants in their pigment make a solid case for including them in a salad.

Turnips, meanwhile, are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

The most important thing is to eat a good amount of vegetables as often as possible (preferably every day).

Rather than concerning yourself with that the hyped vegetable of the month is, simply eat the ones you enjoy the taste of. After all, there is no such thing as a "nutritionless" vegetable.