If you’re in the market for leafy greens, you’ll get the green light to eat whatever you like — that’s how beneficial they are to you!
In general, you should take at least five portions of vegetables per day (approximately 2.5 cups of prepared vegetables), not just leafy vegetables. So long as they’re prepared in a way that is healthy and cooked in a healthy way, leafy greens and other non-starchy vegetables can be an excellent supplement to your diet and provide numerous health benefits.
Green leafy vegetables contain minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that fight diseases. They are high in fiber, an essential nutrient to aid in weight reduction and maintenance since it makes you feel fuller and reduces your hunger. Wool can also lower blood pressure and cholesterol and helps control blood sugar swings due to the slow intake of sugars and carbohydrates in the bloodstream after eating. This decreases your chances of suffering from cardiovascular disease as well as the type 2 form of diabetes. The leafy greens also have plenty of water which keeps you well-hydrated and improves the appearance of your hair and skin.
Some leafy greens, like collards and kale, are abundant in calcium. This assists in keeping your bones and teeth healthy and lowers the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium also aids in the function of muscles and blood pressure control. Leafy greens are rich in potassium, protect against osteoporosis, and assist in controlling blood pressure levels.
Vitamin C, an antioxidant, and lutein and zeaxanthin found in leafy greens can lower the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Vitamin C assists the body to produce collagen, too. Collagen is an essential component of cartilage. It helps to improve joint flexibility. It could reduce the chance of developing arthritis and helps keep your hair as well as your hair looking beautiful and healthy. Studies have shown that vitamin C can reduce bone loss and the chance of breaking bones.
The leafy greens with beta-carotene, such as collard greens, spinach, and Swiss chard, help develop and repair your body’s tissues. Beta-carotene is also an excellent way to shield your skin from sun-induced skin damage. Beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A by the body, and foods that contain beta-carotene are the most effective method to obtain your Vitamin A fix because the extremely high levels of vitamin A from supplements can be harmful and cause liver, bone, and neurological problems and congenital disabilities. Beta-carotene is a component of food that is entirely safe; however, the body controls the amount of beta-carotene transformed into vitamin A.
Leafy greens are a fantastic source of folate that will lower your chances of coronary diseases or memory reduction. Since folate is involved in serotonin production and serotonin, it can help fight against depression and improve mood.
The Vitamin E in green leafy vegetables works together with vitamin C to keep skin healthy and youthful. Vitamin E also protects your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun and could aid in reducing the chance of macular degeneration.
While leafy greens provide numerous positive health effects, they may occasionally cause IBS symptoms for those prone to it. Also, if you’re using a blood thinner, such as warfarin (Coumadin), keep track of your blood levels and dosage of the medication when you increase the consumption of dark green leafy vegetables. They are high in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.