6 Root Vegetables You’re Not Eating (but Should Be)

Vegetables don’t all have to be green and leafy to be good for you. Root vegetables, which get their name because they grow beneath the ground, have a lot to offer in the way of nutrition. Root vegetables are in season when other offerings are sparse, and tend to have a longer shelf life than other produce, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) . Root vegetables are packed with beneficial vitamins and health-promoting compounds such as antioxidants , according to Harvard Health Publishing . It’s true that root vegetables do tend to be higher in carbs than leafy greens , which often excludes them from eating plans like the keto diet . But that doesn’t mean root vegetables can’t be a delicious and nutritious addition to any healthy diet. Additionally, root veggies are generally high in fiber , with many varieties (including fennel and Jerusalem artichokes) containing prebiotic fiber, which aids the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut . This may help ward off colon cancer and some inflammatory diseases, according to Australia’s Monash University . If carrots, beets , and potatoes are your go-tos, you’ll want to consider these other six root vegetables to help you get a wider variety of nutrients. Don’t fear the starchy veggies — they have plenty to offer.