A green light for power greens
Lunds & Byerlys Corporate Dietitian, Janice Cox, RD, LD, shares all the wonderful health benefits of eating a diet rich in green vegetables.
When it comes to eating green vegetables, eat as much as you want – they are that good for you! As a rule of thumb, aim to eat at least five servings of vegetables, including leafy greens, each day. They offer countless health benefits as they are low in calories and full of vitamins, minerals, disease-fighting phytochemicals and fiber.
The fiber in greens helps with weight control and maintenance because it keeps you full longer and controls hunger. Fiber can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and minimize blood sugar fluctuations by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates in the bloodstream after meals. This helps lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes. Some leafy greens like kale contain calcium, which helps keep teeth and bones strong and reduces your risk for osteoporosis. The potassium in leafy greens helps manage blood pressure levels.
Leafy greens also contain folate, which can reduce your risk of heart disease and memory loss. They contain a lot of water to help us stay hydrated – great for your skin. Additionally, their vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene can help keep your skin healthy by protecting it from sun damage. Along with other antioxidants, vitamin E also may reduce risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
Leafy greens offer all these benefits and more. Did I mention they are delicious too? Load up on them in salads, soups, sauces, smoothies and juices. Start your day with a serving of Green Grits and change up your usual breakfast with this nutrition-packed alternative.
The produce department at Lunds & Byerlys is full of great options to add more power greens to your day. Use our Guide to Leafy Greens to learn about their flavor profiles and ways to use them.