Eating too many vegetables: does that exist?

Eating too many vegetables: is that possible? Too much is never good. Too much water, too much bread, too much fruit… Does that also apply to vegetables? Most Dutch people do not eat enough vegetables. So too little, but can it also be too much? You will know that after reading this article.

Why do we eat vegetables again?

Few calories, many nutrients. That’s what it boils down to in a nutshell. The Nutrition Center currently recommends eating 250 grams of vegetables per day. The average Dutch person does not achieve that. While vegetables keep us healthy.

Eating lots of vegetables (and fruits) means a lower risk of heart disease, various cancers, and type 2 diabetes. They lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. This is due to the vitamins, minerals and bioactive substances. They are sources of folic acid, iron, potassium, calcium and so much more. And of course a source of fiber!

Fresh vegetables and frozen vegetables without additives are best. Do not use too much salt or sauces when you eat vegetables. You prefer to keep them purely natural. All vegetables are healthy, without exception. One only contains more or less and other vitamins and minerals.

Do you also need fruit in addition to vegetables?

Do you eat a lot of vegetables? Then you may wonder if you also need fruit for your fiber and vitamins. The answer is yes. Each type of fruit or vegetable contains a different composition of nutrients.

While many nutrients are found in both fruits and vegetables, not everything is. Flavonoids are mainly found in fruits, such as plums, cherries, apples and pears.

300 to 500 grams of vegetables

What happens if you eat more vegetables than the recommended amount? This was researched by following more than 100,000 people from five different continents. One of the groups ate three servings of vegetables and fruit. Which amounts to a total of 300 to 500 grams of fruit and vegetables.

The result was very promising. The least number of people died in this group. Raw vegetables in particular made the difference, as they contain the most vitamins. Based on this, the scientists came up with the advice to eat 375 grams of vegetables and 300 grams of fruit per day. Then you have a 42% less chance of premature death.

When do you eat too many vegetables?

Do you eat 300, 500 or much more grams of vegetables, but do you not feel good about that at all? Which can! Not everyone can handle the amount of fiber equally well. What one feels good about can cause bloating for another.

And not only that. Flatulence, belching, cramps, constipation, diarrhea and stomach pain can be caused by too much fiber. And actually because of too many vegetables. And of course, that doesn’t make you happy.

You can try to remedy this by drinking more, chewing well and exercising a lot. All of this helps your intestines process all of this fiber. It can also help to have fewer eating moments in a day, so that your digestive system gets some rest in between.

If none of that helps, you will have to look for a way to consume less fiber. Because that is also possible without immediately having to give up all the benefits.

For example, you can make vegetable juices. You can remove the fibers with a slow juicer. When you drink the juice immediately after preparation, you still get a lot of healthy nutrients.

The nutrition center does not count vegetable juices as a portion of vegetables. They see it as a sugary drink. Sugary drinks are not included in the Wheel of Five. This especially applies to vegetable juices from the store.

Drinking freshly made juice while you still eat a lot of fruit and vegetables is fine.