Eat Your Greens!!!

“Eat your veggies”.  How many times have you heard that as a child?  It was a valid statement then and it is a valid statement now.  There is so much to gain from ensuring that we are eating a balanced diet full of vegetables.   Rich in Vitamins A, C, K, several B vitamins, and potassium, green leafy vegetables can help to ward off chronic disease. The darker the green, the more nutrients it contains.  These are just some of the benefits that you stand to gain by adding greens into your diet.

Heart Health

Vegetables are a must when it comes to heart health.  Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and Swiss Chard contain potassium, which helps the kidneys filter out sodium more efficiently, which can reduce your blood pressure. In addition to potassium, green leafy vegetables contain Vitamin K, which is believed to prevent calcium from building up in your arteries, and lowering your risk of arterial damage.

Brain Health

Green leafy vegetables have been proven to slow down rates of cognitive decline, with those who consume more greens having the memory equivalent of someone 11 years younger.  They also contain high levels of folate which facilitate the production of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Bone Health

Got milk? Nah. Got leafy greens? Yes!!! Leafy greens contain plenty of calcium for bone health. Vegetables such as broccoli and kale contain high amounts of Vitamin K, which promotes the formation of protein that builds bones.

Digestive Health

Scientists have recently concluded that leafy greens contain an unusual sugar that feeds the good bacteria in our gut while blocking off the bad bacteria that can make us sick.  Since they are high in fiber, greens slow down the rate of digestion, which also slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Immune Support

One of the most important benefits of green leafy vegetables is that they support immunity.  They are the source of a chemical signal that is important to a fully functioning immune system.

Fortunately, there are so many types of green leafy vegetables to choose from. Chop up some garlic, saute it in olive oil, and add your greens.  Smoothies are also a great alternative to ensure that you are getting more greens into your diet.  Check out our smoothie section for delicious recipes.

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