10 Powerful Plant-Based Ingredients We're Loving!
RACHEL MORROW
Regardless of whether you're paleo, vegan, or pescatarian, we can all agree that vegetables, fruits, nuts, & seeds should make up the majority of our diets. But sadly, this is where most of us struggle to find confidence in the kitchen.
Our aim is to help you, and the world, eat more vegetables, so here are some of our favorite plant-based ingredients we are loving right now.
Plus, join our free 10 Day Plant-Based Challenge to get access 10 recipe videos to learn how you can use these ingredients, along with the 10-day meal plan so you can prep. You'll also receive daily interviews with leading plant-based experts and daily health documentaries to keep you motivated!
1. Cauliflower
- High in fiber
- Rich in phytochemicals
- High in vitamin K
- Low in carbohydrates
- Good source of folate
- Good source of magnesium
- Could reduce risk of heart disease
- Improves digestion
Learn how to use this vegetable in the Mac & Cheese Recipe!
2. Black Beans
- Great source of protein
- High in fiber
- Amazing source of carbohydrates
- Rich in magnesium
- Disease-fighting antioxidants
- Rich in folate
- High in vitamin B1
Discover how to use this ingredient in the Mexican Chili Recipe!
3. Zucchini
- High source of antioxidants
- Rich in vitamin C
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Ability to lower cholesterol
- High source of potassium
- Help improve digestion
- Energizing B vitamins
Discover how to use this vegetable in the Pasta Marinara Recipe!
4. Spaghetti Squash
- Great gluten-free option to noodles
- High in fiber
- Builds healthy bones
- Great source of iron
- High in vitamin A
- Rich in vitamin C
Learn how to use this vegetable in the Easy Cashew Basil Pesto with Spaghetti Squash Noodles Recipe!
5. Mushrooms
- Immune boosting benefits
- High in antioxidants
- Energizing B vitamins
- Rich in copper & selenium
- Natural cancer fighter
- Lower inflammation
- Improves energy and brain function
Discover how to use mushrooms in the Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe!
6. Red Cabbage
- Immune boosting
- Fights inflammation and arthritis
- Rich in phytonutrients
- Aids healthy bones
- High in vitamin K
- Great source of antioxidants
- Rich in vitamin C
Discover how to use this vegetable in the Easiest Ever Thai Peanut Noodle Recipe!
7. Chickpeas
- Great source of plant-based protein
- High in fiber
- Rich in iron
- Slow-releasing carbohydrate
- Help to control blood sugar levels
- Improves digestion
- Essential vitamins and minerals
- Protect against heart disease
Discover how to use this ingredient in the Baked Falafel Recipe!
8. Broccoli
- Cancer-fighting antioxidants
- Promotes strong bones
- Rich in vitamin K
- Great source of calcium
- Maintains heart health
- High in fiber
- Lowers cholesterol naturally
- Increases gut and digestive health
- Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A
Discover how to use this vegetable in the Easy Red Thai Curry Recipe!
9. Sweet Potato
- Great source of fiber
- Rich in vitamin A & C
- High in manganese
- Great for stable blood sugar levels
- High in antioxidants
- Boosts brain function
- Boosts immunity
- Promotes eye health
Discover how to use this vegetable in the Roast Vegetable Salad with Yogurt Turmeric Dressing Recipe!
10. Quinoa
- Great gluten-free alternative
- High quality plant-based protein source
- Rich in fiber
- Great source of antioxidants
- Supports heart health
- Rich in potassium and magnesium
- A great prebiotic
- Supports bone health
Learn how to use this ingredient in the Steamed Vegetables and Quinoa With Satay Sauce Recipe!
Alongside being a qualified nutritionist and our social media guru, Rachel is Food Matters’ Recipe Developer. She’s forever dreaming up and developing new recipes for the community to enjoy.