Low Carb and Vegetables -

[cqc10]

Seems like Steve Maxwell mentioned that most of the nutrients in vegetables are trapped in cellulose - something we cannot digest. The benefit, therefore, is not that great.

I don't know if this is true or not. (and perhaps I mis-understood) We are told to get our 5 servings a day. This is hard on a low-carb diet but not impossible.

I was just sort of curious how some of the "low carbers" felt about vegetables consumption. How beneficial is it really?

Thanks

[humilispuer]

I am torn on this partciular subject. NHE allows for unlimited consumption of a few veggies: broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, etc. I take advantage of that on some days, whereas on others, I don't eat one serving of the stuff. I guess, in the back of mind, I figure, even if we only absorb 4% of the nutrients, it's still better than none. Also, they have their place in the process of "cleaning one out" :D I've read quite a bit, in regard to the subject at hand. After all is said and done, I would say go for some veggies, just make sure they are cooked. While we may not know how much nutriment is caught up in cellulose - we know that more of it is available for digestion if you cook the vegetable. People tend to have a lot less gas when eating cooked versus raw vegetables. This is a good sign for cooked veggies as gas is not a "normal" occurance. On the flip side of the coin, some say that once you are fat adapted, fiber does nothing but irritate your GI tract. I actually agree with this to an extent - I have not been eating veggies and the night before last I had a big bowl of broccoli with my chicken, ended up feeling horrid, stomach wise, afterward. If you like veggies, eat em'. If not, don't sweat it. My 2 cents :)

-Humilis

[Doug Szolek]

I've read that steaming Broccoli is the only way to release the nutrients from it. And since I read it, it must be true :wink: In any case I always steam my greens before consumption.

[cqc10]

I've read that steaming Broccoli is the only way to release the nutrients from it. And since I read it, it must be true In any case I always steam my greens before consumption.

:D Ahhh yes .. if its in print, its got to be true!

There are two reasons I've heard for not being to stuck on eating vegetables. One, they are grown in nutrient deficient soils so they have fewer nutrients than they should. And two, of course, is that we absorb so very little.

I enjoy my brocolli, salad, spinach, etc. and I have some every day. I guess you hear so much "5 a day" stuff that you wonder where these people are getting their info from.