Eat Your Greens

You probably have heard the phrase, “Eat Your Greens”.  Greens are a highly nutritious addition to our diet and are they essential for a healthy body and strong immune system.  Read on to find out all the benefits of eating greens, types of greens and different ways to "Eat Your Greens".

1.  Nutrients in greens include: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K.  Greens are loaded with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals.   In addition, leafy greens are high-alkaline foods which help neutralize the acids in your body. 
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2.  Some of the many health benefits of greens include:

• Blood purification
• Increased energy
• Improves heart health
•  Protects against high cholesterol
• Disease prevention
• Improved circulation
• Strengthens immune system
• Builds healthy bones with calcium content
• Improved liver, gall bladder and kidney function
• Cleared congestion, especially in lungs, by reducing mucus
• Promotion of healthy intestinal floral

 
3.  Examples of “greens”: Bok choy, cabbage, kale, collards, chard, mustard greens, watercress, arugula, endive, lettuce, wild greens, spinach, beet greens.

How do you like to eat your greens?  I like to think about getting my greens at each meal.  To do this, I would start the morning with some spinach in my smoothie, have a fresh green romaine lettuce salad for lunch and some steamed kale for dinner! It’s as easy as that!  Here are some other ways to enjoy them:

• Smoothies:  add spinach, kale, parsley, chard, mint
• Salads: add a variety of greens to your daily salad
• Wraps:  add your favorite hummus and other favorite ingredients to romaine leaves, Bibb lettuce and chard leaves. 
• Soup: garnish your soup with spinach, chard, kale
• Stir Fry: add your favorite greens with other vegetables and serve over rice
• Sauté: add greens to olive oil and garlic
• Steam:  add your greens to an Instant Pot or steamer basket

 Start today by incorporating more GREENS into your diet? What are your favorite ways to eat them?