February 1, 2018 Aquaponics, Vegetables 7,483 Comments

You’re trying to decide which plants to grow in your aquaponics system; something beneficial to your health, and not something as simple as lettuce… why not grow some super veggies?! I’ve found 6 that are not only extremely healthy but delicious as well- nothing better than your own home-grown organic veggies!

    1. Kale
      Kale is in high demand right now, so why not grow some not only for yourself, but to sell as well!? Making a little extra money on the side is always a plus. Plus kale is so so so good for you! How so you ask?

      • it’s low in calories, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale=36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and zero grams of fat. It’s also awesome for digestion
      • it’s high in iron; per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron causes the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transports oxygen to various parts of the body, and helps with cell growth and proper liver function.
      • it’s high in vitamin K which helps protect against a range of cancers. It also helps with normal bone health, prevention of blood clotting and with people suffering from Alzheimer’s.
      • it’s filled with powerful antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids which help prevent against multiple cancers.
      • it’s high in vitamin C which helps your immune system, metabolism and hydration
      • it’s high in vitamin A which is excellent for vision, skin and helps to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.
      • it’s anti-inflammatory. One cup has 10% of the recommended dietary allowance of omega-3 fatty acids which help fight arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.
      • it’s high in calcium, per calorie it has more calcium than milk which helps to prevent bone loss, osteoporosis and maintains a healthy metabolism

5 more veggies that may not be as super as kale, but are still pretty super are:

  1. Bell Pepper
    They are full of vitamin C and A (one cup a day can provide more than 100% of your daily needs) and work in the body to overpower free radicals. Those radicals can cause illnesses such as high cholesterol and arthritis. Red peppers are especially good for you as they contain a great source of fiber, folate, vitamin k, molybdenum and manganese, vitamin A, C and B6; beta-carotene, and lycopene.
  2. Tomatoes
    first and foremost they contain lycopene. Tomatoes also protect against various cancers including pancreatic, breast, endometrial, lung, prostate and colorectal. One serving of raw tomatoes is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, folate and potassium. They also have the ability to reduce chronic pain.
  3. White Onions
    for those suffering from diabetes, onions can significantly help cells respond to insulin. Onions also contain over 20% of the daily intake of chromium; chromium is depleted with diets of refined sugar, white flour and lack of exercise. Onions are a remedy for a common cold, cough, fever and sore throat- juice of fresh onion with honey can help cure a sore throat.
  4. Purple Eggplant
    many people take medicine on a daily basis to lower their cholesterol levels, however eggplant juice can reduce blood cholesterol significantly as well as improve blood flow. The skin of eggplant can also help in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Looking to lose weight or have better skin tone? Eggplant can do that too!
  5. Orange Sweet Potatoes
    this tasty veggie contain vitamins A and C, manganese, copper, B-6, potassium, iron and fiber. These nutrients also have anti-inflammatory properties so they reduce the severity of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. They have also been shown to improve the health of smokers or those who inhale second hand smoke.

Rather than having to purchase all these veggies, why not just grow them organically from the comfort of your own home?! There are so many health benefits that you do not want to miss out on, not to mention the potential of having your very own veggie stand and envy of all your friends!

What has been your favorite plant to grow with your aquaponics system?

, , , , ,
Written by Aquaponics Team