Rich in vitamins and minerals, all vegetables are allies of our health. Among the great diversity found on the fruit stalls, some are best enjoyed in the evening.
It’s no secret that vegetables are an essential component of a healthy and balanced diet. Real gold mines, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Extremely versatile in the kitchen, they can be cooked in a wide variety of preparations, making them easy to integrate into daily meals. Whether in soup, salad, sautéed, baked or even raw, vegetables offer an infinite palette of flavors to delight the taste buds all year round. But while they are all rich in nutrients, some should be avoided from your evening meals.
Easy to digest vegetables
For your dinner, opt for vegetables rich in soluble or “soft” fiber, such as carrots, squash, salads, spinach or even endive. These fibers are easier to digest because unlike insoluble fiber, which remains unchanged throughout the digestive tract, soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. They play an important role in digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels and reducing cholesterol. Leafy green vegetables in particular are full of these valuable soluble fibers and essential nutrients that support healthy digestion. Their high water content also helps maintain good hydration.
Nutrient-rich vegetables
Root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or carrots, are good sources of vitamin B6, very useful for regulating levels of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Additionally, sweet potato is rich in magnesium, a mineral that promotes muscle relaxation and helps reduce stress and anxiety, which promotes deeper, more restful sleep. Green vegetables are also a very good option here since they contain a good quantity of B group vitamins and calcium which reduces the effects of stress. You can also bet on asparagus, rich in tryptophan, an amino acid which promotes the production of serotonin and melatonin, two hormones important for sleep.
The endives
© Valéry Guedes
Endives contain a lot of fiber which will stimulate intestinal transit and fight against constipation.
Discover our recipe for Endive cream with smoked fish
Spinach
© Nathalie Carnet
Spinach is a good source of magnesium, a mineral with beneficial effects on mood and sleep.
Discover our recipe for Spinach Gnocchi with Ricotta
Sweet potatoes
© Christl Exelmans
Among other things, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which can promote restful sleep by keeping blood sugar levels stable overnight.
Discover our recipe for sweet potato, carrot and spinach croquettes
Squash
© Bastien Lattanzio
Squash is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a light option for an evening meal.
Discover our recipe for Butternut and Hazelnut Risotto
Carrots
© Eve Cardi
Carrots contain “soft” fiber, which contributes to better digestion and a feeling of fullness.
Discover our carrot pancakes recipe
Swiss chard
© Bastien Lattanzio
Rich in water and fiber, chard is an excellent option for dinner.
Discover our Leek and Chard Tortilla recipe
Asparagus
© Valéry Guedes
Asparagus is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and potassium.
Discover our recipe for Carbonara-style white asparagus salad
Potatoes
© Simon Bajada
Potatoes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps relax muscles and promotes deeper sleep.
Discover our recipe for Potato, Tuna and Caper Salad
Peppers
© Marjolaine Daguerre
Peppers are high in water and fiber, great for healthy digestion and a feeling of fullness that can help you avoid late-night cravings.
Discover our recipe for Rustic Multicolored Pepper Pie