Food containing sufficient valuable nutrients is important

Superfood: root vegetables and tubers

Locally grown vegetable varieties are in vogue. Consumption of these vegetables contributes to a healthy immune system, especially during winter. The health tip explains why we should eat root vegetables and tubers more often.
It is important to eat food with sufficient valuable vitamins and minerals, especially in the autumn and winter months. This boosts the body's own defence systems. You don't have to have to look very far to find good nutrient suppliers. Local root vegetables and tubers, which are in season in the winter months, are ideal. Carrots, beetroot, parsnips, turnips, black salsify and Jerusalem artichokes make your meals both colourful and healthy.
Dietary fibre regulates digestion and also ensures that we feel full up. Ellen Weber, nutritionist at santé24

Valuable nutrients

The edible roots and tubers are rich in vitamins A, B and C, iron, potassium, calcium, sodium and phosphorus. They also contain a high proportion of dietary fibre. "Dietary fibre regulates digestion and also ensures that we feel full up," explains Ellen Weber, who works as a nutritionist at santé24. They also contain relatively low amounts of fat and calories.

Formerly exotic tuber brings variety

Jerusalem artichokesIn addition to common vegetables such as carrots or beetroot, Jerusalem artichokes, which originally come from the Americas and are now also grown in Switzerland, are particularly rich in nutrients. Jerusalem artichokes have a sweet, nutty flavour and can be eaten raw (e.g. as a salad) or cooked (as a soup or puree). They don't have to be peeled before consumption; it's perfectly fine if they're washed and brushed. They can be stored for several days in the refrigerator, but should be eaten as fresh as possible. If they are peeled or cut, they tend to turn brown after a few minutes.

Ideal for your own garden

Another great advantage of root vegetables and tubers is that they are easy to cultivate. Root vegetables won't take up much space in your garden or allotment and they're very easy to look after. And, when we're planting and cultivating food, we're also exercising in the great outdoors and enjoying nature.

SWICA supports healthy nutrition

A balanced diet strengthens wellbeing and health over the long term. As a holistic healthcare organisation, SWICA focuses on the health of its customers and not on their illnesses. That's why SWICA customers enjoy prevention contributions of up to CHF 600* per year plus a wide range of health offers relating to nutrition.

*Click here for details of the contribution.
