Veggies have natural sugars, but theyre also packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals.
However, not all sugar is created equal.
Produce packs a nutritional punch.
Photo:PHOTOGRAPHER: JEN CAUSEY, FOOD STYLIST: ANA KELLY, PROP STYLIST: CLAIRE SPOLLEN
She also points to their fiber, which supports gut health and makes meals more filling.
Still, even with all their nutrition, some vegetables contain a little more natural sugar than others.
Here are 12 low-sugar vegetables to stock up on today.
The 12 Best Low-Sugar Vegetables
1.
Its packed with vitamins A, C and K, plus several B vitamins.
For beginners, take a look atWhat Is Chard?Then try ourChicken, Chard & Sun-Dried Tomato Quesadillas.
Lettuce
Natural Sugar:1 gram in 2 cups
Sometimes a fresh, crunchy salad can really hit the spot.
If youre trying to keep your blood sugar levels from spiking, a good salad can do the job.
Broccoli
Natural Sugar:1.5 grams per 1 cup
It might surprise you that crunchy broccoli is about 90% water.
Cauliflower
Natural Sugar:2 grams per 1 cup
Cauliflower is having its heyday right now.
We say keep eating it, because its loaded with all the good stuff.
Theyre low in sugar and contain nutrients like potassium, selenium and folate.
For a creamy and tangy dish, try ourSmashed Mushrooms with Pesto & Burrata.
In addition, they contain essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium.
In addition, zucchini supplies vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Keep your blood sugar stable with a great taco using this genius idea: Zucchini Tortillas.
For an easy and comforting crock-pot meal, try our Eggplant and Sausage Slow Cooker Baked Ziti.
Theyre also about 90% water, so eating them can help you stay hydrated.
Other highlights include potassium, vitamin C and folate.
American Heart Association.How much sugar is too much?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get the Facts: Added sugar.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.A Report Card: Diabetes in the United States.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Spinach, raw.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Chard, swiss, raw.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Celery, raw.
National Institutes of Health.Vitamin K.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Lettuce, cos or romaine, raw.
2018;10(9):1321. doi.org/10.3390%2Fnu10091321
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Broccoli, raw.
2024;10:1286658. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1286658
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Cauliflower, raw.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Mushrooms, white, raw.
2023;28(12):4824. doi:10.3390/molecules28124824
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Cucumber, with peel, raw.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Squash, summer, zucchini, includes skin, raw.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Eggplant, raw.
National Institutes of Health.Vitamin A and Carotenoids.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Peppers, sweet, red, raw.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
FoodData Central.Green beans, fresh, cooked, no added fat.
