Which category includes edible parts of plants like stems, roots, flowers, and leaves?

The correct category for edible parts of plants such as stems, roots, flowers, and leaves is vegetables. Vegetables encompass a wide variety of plant parts, including not just traditional leafy greens, but also roots like carrots and beets, stems like celery, and flowers like broccoli. This diverse category is essential in nutrition for its wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making vegetables a key component of a balanced diet.

Grains refer specifically to the seeds of grasses and are considered a different food group with distinct nutritional properties. Legumes are plants that produce pods with seeds, like beans and lentils, which are also categorized separately due to their unique nutrient profiles. Nuts are actually the seeds of certain plants that are hard-shelled and often high in fats, making them distinct from the broader category of vegetables. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing the importance of including a variety of food groups in your diet for optimal health.