Fun Facts and Information About Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts.

Quick Bites! Fun facts and information about fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Healthy lifestyles don't have to be boring. Here are some fun food facts and health information for you to know!

Vegetables

• Vegetables are rich in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and prevent constipation.¹
• Vegetables are low in calories, but high in nutrients. For example, a cup of raw spinach has only 6.9 calories, but provides the full daily requirement of vitamin K, as well as high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, folate, iron, and calcium.¹
• Vegetables contain various phytochemicals, which are natural compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Some examples of phytochemicals are lycopene in tomatoes, sulforaphane in broccoli, and anthocyanins in purple cabbage.¹
• Some vegetables are actually fruits, botanically speaking, because they contain seeds. These include tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchini, and peppers. However, they are considered vegetables in culinary terms, because they are usually eaten as savory dishes.²
• Some vegetables are actually fungi, such as mushrooms. Mushrooms have their own immune system, which can protect them from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Mushrooms also contain vitamin D, which is rare in plant foods.³
• Some vegetables are actually flowers, such as broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, and capers. These vegetables are harvested before they bloom, otherwise they become bitter and tough. Broccoli and cauliflower are actually the same species, but have been selectively bred for different traits.⁴
• Some vegetables can change color when cooked, due to chemical reactions. For example, red cabbage turns blue when boiled in water, but turns pink when cooked with vinegar or lemon juice. This is because red cabbage contains anthocyanins, which are pH-sensitive pigments.⁴
• Some vegetables can dye your hair, skin, or clothes, due to their natural colorants. For example, beetroot can give a reddish hue to your hair, turmeric can stain your skin yellow, and spinach can leave green marks on your clothes.⁵

Fruits

• The strawberry is not a true berry, but a "pseudo-berry". The pineapple is not a single fruit, but a composite of many small berries fused together.⁶
• The avocado is actually a large berry, and it contains more potassium than a banana.⁷
• Apples come in over 7,500 different varieties, and they can help lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and neurological disorders.^6,7
• The kiwi fruit originated in China but is now named after the national bird of New Zealand.⁶
• The banana is actually classified as an herb, not a fruit. It's also high in prebiotics, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.⁷
• The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits, with evidence of cultivation dating back to ancient civilizations. It's also rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.^6,7
• The watermelon is 92% water, and it can help keep you hydrated and refreshed. It's also a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin from sun damage.⁸

Nuts

• Nuts are nutrient-dense powerhouses that contain healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.⁹
• Nuts are heart-healthy and can help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidative stress.^9,10
• Nuts are a great source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets. For example, 1 ounce (28 grams) of almonds provides 6 grams of protein.⁹
• Nuts can help with weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and increasing your metabolic rate. Studies have shown that eating nuts regularly can help prevent weight gain and obesity.^9,10
• Nuts are naturally gluten-free and can be enjoyed by people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Nuts can also be used to make gluten-free flours, butters, and milks.¹⁰
• Peanuts are not nuts, but legumes. They grow underground and belong to the same family as beans and peas.¹⁰
• Walnuts are the oldest known tree food, dating back to 10,000 BC. They are also the only nuts that contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.¹¹
• Pistachios are not nuts, but seeds of a fruit. They are also known as the "happy nut" in China and the "smiling nut" in Iran because of their appearance.¹²
• Cashews are not nuts, but fruits. They are attached to a cashew apple, which is edible but rarely eaten. Cashews are also related to poison ivy and poison sumac.¹³
• Macadamia nuts are the hardest nuts to crack, requiring 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to break their shells. They are also the most expensive nuts in the world.¹³
• Brazil nuts are not nuts, but seeds of a giant tree that can live up to 500 years. They are also the largest source of natural selenium, a mineral that can prevent cancer.¹³
• Pecans are the only nuts native to North America. They are also the state nut of Texas, USA. They have the highest antioxidant content among all nuts.¹³
• Chestnuts are not nuts, but fruits. They are the only nuts that contain vitamin C. They are also low in fat and high in starch, making them more like potatoes than nuts.¹³

  Garden of Vegan can help you with your health goals by making it easier for you to eat healthy foods:

  1. Garden of Vegan delivers healthy, plant-based ready-made meals across Australia. Leave the food cooking to us!

  2. Garden of Vegan also delivers healthy sides, pantry items, and fresh produce boxes.

  So when you don't have the time or energy to prepare healthy food, let us help you improve and maintain your health. We care about your health and the health of the planet. And, we focus on creating balanced meals full of vitamins and nutrients! All Garden of Vegan delicious meals, sides, and produce boxes are certified organic and dairy-free, gluten-free, additive-free, and preservative-free. So you know you will be getting delicious meals, sides, and snacks that are super healthy as well.

  Unable to create healthy food and you are an NDIS participant? No problem! Garden of Vegan works with the NDIS program too.

  Garden of Vegan's customers, including NDIS participants, can rest assured that our organic meals, produce, and pantry items are 100% organic and nutritious! And, NDIS participants only pay for the food cost component of the meals they order. NDIS participants and NDIS plan managers can learn more about Garden of Vegan NDIS plans and healthy meal delivery by filling out our NDIS form and we'll contact you as soon as possible.

  We want people to be healthy! We are continually changing our menus and expanding our nutrition information online! Join our Newsletter and read our blog.

  Stay up to date with Garden of Vegan and you can enjoy health information and facts 100% free. And, you can also learn about the latest Garden of Vegan news, new meals, discounts, and more!

  Additional health information from Garden of Vegan

  Garden of Vegan Vitamin Guide:
  Learn more about healthy foods and how you can increase your vitamin intake with healthy meals, sides, sauces, desserts, and pantry items at the Garden of Vegan Vitamin Guide.

  References:
  1. What are the most healthful vegetables? - MedicalNewsToday
  2. 15 Cool Facts You Didn’t Know About Vegetables - boredpanda
  3. Vegetable Facts - Information and Facts about Vegetables - Vegetable Facts
  4. Vegetables: Fun Facts - Fact Monster
  5. Vegetables and How They Grow - Easy Science For Kids
  6. 25 Interesting Facts About Fruits That Will Amaze You - Amazing Facts Home
  7. 20 Healthy Fruits That Are Super Nutritious - healthline
  8. [10 Tasty] Fun Facts About Fruits You’ll Love - FactNight
  9. The Top 9 Nuts to Eat for Better Health - healthline
  10. 20 Facts About Nuts - Facts.net
  11. Nuts Fun Facts - Truly Good Foods
  12. 15 Interesting Facts About Nuts - Nature's Field
  13. Multiple Sources