You must have heard your mom yell at you when you left your greens on the plate at the dinner table. As you grow up, you realize that your mom was actually right. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, chard, and arugula are some of the healthiest foods you can consume and do wonders for your health. They have more benefits than you may think.
Leafy greens are a must for your diet, regardless of how you choose to consume them. You may consume it simply by boiling it, making a smoothie, or a soup. There are a variety of options, and if you want to learn more, The Green Palette Kitchen can teach you a thing or two. Meanwhile, here are some of the top reasons you should not skip your greens.
Top reasons to eat your greens
-
They fight inflammation.
If you experience inflammation issues in your body, perhaps your stomach, it may be because your body is not getting its deserved dose of leafy green vegetables. Even though some inflammation is good for your body, chronic inflammation is not and can lead to various consequences later. Leafy green vegetables are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants that help your body.
-
They help your eyesight.
If you have eyesight issues or suspect that you may have them, green vegetables are your need of the hour. This is especially important if your parents or other family members have eyesight issues, as it increases your chances of having the same problem. Some greens like kale and spinach contain carotenoids that protect your eyes from the damage it receives from light particles.
-
They support optimal brain function.
One surefire way to boost your brain is by eating the right food. You cannot eat junk food that is dipped and fried in unhealthy amounts of oil and still expect your mind and body to function correctly. Green veggies do not only keep your body healthy but your brain as well. Organic vegetables contain folate (B9), and B vitamins facilitate the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. These are usually found in spinach, broccoli, and lettuce.
-
They improve blood pressure.
Blood pressure issues have become a common phenomenon in the country today. Nearly half of the American population suffers from high blood pressure. Eating too much salt is not great for your body, but eating potassium-rich food can help reduce the damage from a high-sodium diet. Vegetables like beet and spinach, among many others, deliver nutrition as well as protect your heart.