
Non-starchy vegetables are a key component in a variety of Dr. Oz’s diets, including The Day-Off Diet, The Total Choice Plan, and most recently in The 21-Day Weight Loss Breakthrough Diet. But what are they exactly? Non-starchy vegetables are vegetables with little to no starch content, a type of complex carbohydrate that breaks down quickly in the body. These types of vegetables are low in calories, low in carbohydrates (making them low-glycemic), and rich in fiber. Find out how they compare against other vegetables and how you can include them in your healthy diet.
More: 10 Ways to Sneak More Veggies Into Your Meals
Non-Starchy vs. Starchy Vegetables
Starchy vegetables include vegetables such as beans, butternut squash, corn, parsnips, peas, plantains, potatoes, and pumpkins. They are rich in carbohydrates that the body needs but since they break down slowly, they can raise blood sugar levels during the process. This is important to consider if you have a condition such as diabetes which requires that you maintain a low blood sugar level as often as possible. In addition, many of us already consume plenty of starchy vegetables but not enough non-starchy vegetables on a regular basis. To balance blood sugar levels and keep the body healthy, it’s crucial to eat both starchy and non-starchy vegetables.