Root vegetables fine in balance

I had an enquiry about a comment I made in last month's column so thought some further clarification may be helpful. I made the statement recommending to support your detox by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables and include plenty of vegetables that grow above the ground such as greens, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes.
The question I received was, "What's wrong with root vegetables? Why eat plenty of vegetables that grow above the ground?" I hope the following explanations help to clarify this.
Firstly, I think it is necessary to stress that I am not saying not to eat root vegetables. They have an essential place in our diet. As I have stated previously, a balanced diet is important, and root vegetables are part of this. However, above-ground vegetables are also important as part of a balanced diet.
Over the years I have noticed some people's diets tend to include only root vegetables (potato, kumara, carrots). I urge them to try some above-ground varieties for the reasons outlinedhere.
I am also aware some diet regimes out there are encouraging people to eat no starchy carbohydrates, such as breads, pasta, rice, potato, kumara. I also question the necessity of removing these root vegetables for weight loss. Surely, once again, it's about balance and quantities.
The nutritional requirements of our body and minds vary depending on our situation, lifestyle and goals. My last column was all about detoxing and therefore I recommended the inclusion of as many above-ground vegetables as possible, as they support the digestive system. Monitoring your root vegetables consumption may be helpful, but it is not necessary to avoid them.
As root vegetables contain higher carbohydrate levels and generally convert to energy faster than above ground, they are essential parts of the diet when you have physical demands, such as a physical job, exercising, tramps, doing firewood, fencing, farming. However in our more sedentary moments this energy is not required and therefore high carbohydrate foods are not as necessary.
Generally nutrients in above-ground vegetables tend to be more concentrated and diverse than those vegetables grown below the ground. In saying that, root vegetables are also nutrient providers. Another reason to urge everyone to eat as much variety of fruit and veg as possible.
The fibre content is generally higher in above ground vegetables. Root vegetables contain fibre in their skins, so avoid peeling your vegetables unless absolutely necessary. We don't peel potatoes, even when mashing them. If the potatoes are cut into smaller pieces before boiling the pieces of skins are not overwhelming.
As you are possibly aware, fibre helps with elimination via the bowel. Fibre also attracts toxins and helps to remove them from the body via the bowel. Hence, fibre provides essential support when detoxing, because as toxins are released from your fat cells you want to assist the body to eliminate them as fast and efficiently as possible, and the bowel is one key way to do this.
As a guideline of quantity requirements to obtain a balanced diet, divide your plate into quarters. Imagine one quarter is your protein portion ( meat, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts) and one quarter is root vegetables or unrefined grains ( brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat). The last two quarters are above the ground vegetables. Remember, this is a guideline and please alter accordingly for your individual requirements.
¦ To contact Kim: herbaceousnz@gmail.com, goorganicdelivered@gmail.com or 027 307 3062.