We've all had someone tell us to 'eat our greens,' probably from quite an early age. While this is ingrained in our minds, it's easier said than done.
When life is as busy as it is for many, it can be challenging to keep up good eating habits and incorporate the right balance of green, leafy vegetables into our daily diets. Let's take a look at why they're so good for us, and why it's worth making more of an effort to eat them.
The Health Benefits of Green Leafy Vegetables
There are many reasons why green leafy vegetables are so good for you.
One of these is that they are packed to the brim with antioxidants. Not only are they rich in vitamin C, but they’re also full of vitamin A and K, too. All of these vitamins contribute to healthy bones, skin, and your body’s ability to heal itself.
Another reason why green, leafy vegetables are so good for you is that they are full of minerals. From magnesium to calcium, green vegetables like spinach have high levels of magnesium, which is essential for maintaining the health of your muscles.
Green leafy vegetables are also an excellent source of fiber, and they can also help speed up your metabolism. The easier it is for our bodies to digest something, the faster our metabolism can be. The fact that they are full of fiber means that they can naturally improve the rate of your metabolism.
The Healthiest Green Leafy Vegetables
So, what are the healthiest green leafy vegetables? Let’s take a look:
- Kale: when it comes to green leafy vegetables, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense. This is due to the many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that it contains. From beta-carotene and vitamin K to vitamin C and A, kale has a host of nutritional goodness that takes up a big part of your daily value, or DV.
- Microgreens: microgreens are more than just a trending buzzword – they are a green leafy vegetable that is incredibly good for you. This is because they come with many different nutrients, and studies show that they have as much as 40 times more nutrients than other leafy greens that have had more time to grow.
- Collard Greens: collard greens can be found in a similar family to kale, and are slightly bitter to taste. They are one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables out there, with as much as 1,045% of your daily value when it comes to vitamins like vitamin K.
Why You Should Eat Green Vegetables Every Day
So, we’ve heard the good news about green leafy vegetables, and how beneficial they can be for our health. Let’s dive into a few reasons why we should eat them and incorporate them into our diet on a daily basis.
Leafy greens can help reduce the risk of cancer. This is because they have specific nutrients that can help combat damage caused by free radicals that are a result of chemicals and toxins.
Leafy greens can also make you look good, too, from the inside out. They come with all the minerals and vitamins that your skin and hair need to stay in good condition. This means that if you make a point of adding leafy greens into your regular diet, you could end up seeing a significant difference in the appearance of your hair and your skin.
If you’re someone who struggles with energy levels, then you may want to try a bit of kale in your morning smoothie. Leafy green vegetables help to get rid of the toxins that are weighing you down by flushing them out. This will leave you with more energy, as well as other things like improved memory.
