One of the reasons why you should eat green leafy vegetables is because they can crowd out the foods that make you sick. Consuming dark green vegetables is essential for establishing a healthy body and immune system.

Why Eat Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

While there are many reasons to consume green vegetables, one of the top reasons why you should eat dark green leafy vegetables is because they help build your internal rainforest and strengthen the blood and respiratory system. Leafy green vegetables are also high-alkaline foods which may be beneficial to people exposed to higher amounts of pollution in urban areas.

The alkaline minerals in our bodies are used to neutralize acidic conditions caused by the environment. Green vegetables will help to replenish our alkaline mineral stored and continue to filter out pollutants1.

In addition, green is associated with spring, the time of renewal, refreshment and vital energy. In Traditional Chinese medicine, green is related to the liver, emotional stability and creativity.

Green Leafy Vegetables Nutritional Value

Nutritionally, greens are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K. They are loaded with fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals.

Although choosing organic is recommended, eating non-organic greens is still preferable to not eating any greens at all. The following are some of the proven and possible reasons why people eat dark green leafy vegetables.

• Blood purification
• Improves circulation
• Promotes healthy intestinal flora
• Improves liver, gall bladder and kidney function
• Clears congestion, especially in lungs by reducing mucus
• Helps prevents certain types of cancers
• Strengthens the immune system

Ways To Cook Leafy Vegetables

Try a variety of methods like steaming, boiling, sautéing in oil, water sautéing, waterless cooking or lightly pickling (as in a pressed salad).

Boiling

Boiling helps greens plump and relax. You should boil them for under a minute so that nutrients do not get lost in the water. In addition, drinking the cooking water provides a health-giving broth or tea if you’re using organic greens.

Steaming

Steaming makes greens more fibrous and tight, which helps you feel fuller, longer. This is a great method to help curb your appetite for those trying to lose weight.

Raw

Raw vegetables are tasty as side dishes like a salad or just putting a light dressing on them. It’s refreshing, cooling and supplies live enzymes.

Final Thoughts

So now that you know a few important reasons why you should eat green leafy vegetables, try to find options that you’ll enjoy and eat often. If you get bored with your favorites, be adventurous and explore new greens that you’ve never tried before.

Broccoli is very popular among adults and children. You could also try bok choy, Napa cabbage, collards, mustard greens, and other dark leafy greens. So, cook up and enjoy!

In Beauty & Wellness,
Marcey, Certified Health Coach & Trichologist

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