5 Reasons To Eat Your Greens
Spinach, silverbeet, kale, cabbage, lettuce, watercress, herbs, brussels sprouts, rocket, bok choy, choy sum, broccoli the list goes on…It’s no secret your ‘greens’ are a nutritional powerhouse, but what is it exactly that makes them essential in our diet?
Here are some of the major players:
Fibre
The part of plant foods that is indigestible and remains in the gut. This provides a food source for our microbes, promotes healthy gut epithelium, and regular bowel motions. Fibre prevents heart disease by binding fats in our gut to lower cholesterol levels. High fibre intake is associated with decreased rates of Type 2 Diabetes as it lowers the Glycaemic Index (GI) of foods, helping blood sugar regulation.
Vitamin A
Including retinol and some carotenoids, Vitamin A is involved in many body processes, including the maintenance of epithelial tissue (skin, gut, respiratory tract), supporting the immune system, and normal cell proliferation (growth and reproduction). It is also linked with lower rates of prostate and lung cancers, maintenance of vision, and prevention of night blindness.
Potassium
An essential mineral, which can be thought of as the opposite to sodium (salt) with its ability to normalize blood pressure. Sometimes referred to as an electrolyte, potassium is important for fluid balance, and cardiovascular health. Potassium is involved in nerve function, normal muscle contraction, and maintaining bone density.
Lutein
A phytonutrient important for maintaining vision, prevention of age-related macular degeneration and prevention of cataract formation. Lutein is present in breastmilk and is important for infant brain and eye development. It’s also linked with cancer prevention and heart health.
Vitamin K
A fat-soluble vitamin involved in making proteins for the blood clotting pathway and for bone formation/maintenance. It is also linked with prevention of blood vessel hardening in heart disease.
There are even more nutrients in the green leafy veg group, they really are THAT good. The most recent research indicates that eating fresh produce, is more beneficial than taking supplements. There is no clear winner (sorry kale lovers), include whichever type you like the most. For the health of your body, aim to eat greens daily in raw or cooked form. Try adding spinach or herbs to your eggs at breaky, lettuce to you lunch wrap, and broccoli and bok choy to your curry at dinner.
Enjoy!
