The word “vegetable” was first recorded in the English language in the early 15th century and was derived from the Medieval Latin word “vegetabilis”, which means 'growing, flourishing'.
Vegetables are part of our daily life with its everyday usage and eaten in a variety of ways, either raw or cooked. They play an important role in nutrition, as most vegetables are low in fat and calories but at the same time, bulky and filling. They are an important source of dietary fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin A, K, C, E and B6, minerals, trace elements and are also an important source of anti-oxidants.
Vegetables when included in the diet, have been found to remarkably reduce the incidence of cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and other chronic ailments. Research has shown that, compared with individuals who eat less than three servings of fruits and vegetables each day, than those who eat more than five servings, have an approximately twenty percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease or stroke.
Fun fact!
Technically, tomatoes, green beans, pumpkins, squash and cucumbers are fruit because they have seeds. They don’t have a sweet taste like other fruit, but they are indeed fruit.
Some popular types of vegetables:
Artichokes
Native to the Mediterranean. Greeks, Romans and the Arabs have been eating it and during the 15th century they started growing and producing it in Italy.
Asparagus
It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Aubergines or eggplants
Native to India, they spread to China during the 15th century and are now being grown in Southern Europe.
Carrots
It is a world favorite and until about 1600s, carrots were originally colored purple until Holland sold orange colored carrots in the 1700s.
Cauliflowers
Originally came from China where they were about the size of a cricket ball.
Chickpeas
Native to the Middle East and were popular with the Romans and have been eaten in Europe ever since.
Lentils
It has been eaten since prehistoric times. Lentils are native to Asia and they were eaten by Egyptians, Greeks and the Romans. They are also hugely popular in India.
Onions
Grown in the Middle East since thousands of years. Slaves, building the pyramids in ancient Egypt ate onions, garlic and radishes.
Potatoes
Originated in South America and taken to England and Europe by famed explorer Sir Francis Drake.
Pumpkins
Native to Central America and have been a staple food. It was later adopted by European colonist, as it was Christopher Columbus who brought pumpkin seeds to Europe.
Spinach
Native to Asia and was first grown in Persia, and later adopted by the Arabs and the Chinese. The Arabs introduced spinach to Southern Europe and by the 14 century, it was eaten widely in England.
Tomatoes
Native to South America, the Spaniards came across them in the 16th century, ever since widely used in Spain.
