Why eat leafy greens




















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Learn more about the surprising early warning signs! A cup of kale provides about 33 calories and a cup of broccoli contains just over 30 calories.

If you are trying to reach or maintain a healthy weight, green leafy vegetables or dark green vegetables allow you to eat more and weigh less. It's not just the low-calorie count that matters when you consider the benefits of green veggies—it's where those calories come from that's significant. These vegetables provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and very little if any fat. A cup of spinach provides just over one gram of carbohydrate, mostly from fiber.

You'll also get a gram of protein. A cup of broccoli provides about six grams of carb, 2. This macronutrient balance, particularly the fiber and protein, provides a sense of long-term satiety—satisfaction and fullness—that starchier vegetables and other foods may not provide.

Those following a low-carb eating program will find that dark green leafy vegetables are particularly beneficial. These greens contain very little carbohydrate and the carbs are packed in layers of fiber; thus, they are very slow to digest. Dark green veggies are a rich source of minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. They also provide important vitamins, including vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins.

Many dark green vegetable varieties of phytonutrients including beta-carotene, lutein , and zeaxanthin, which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from age-related problems, among many other effects. Dark green leaves, like kale, even contain small amounts of omega-3 fats.

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin , and it is a key nutrient in many dark green vegetables. According to government sources, one of the most common sources of vitamin K in the U. Other green leafy sources of vitamin K are collards, kale, and turnip greens. Recent research has provided evidence that this vitamin may be even more important than we once thought and many people do not get enough of it.

Those who take blood thinners need to eat consistent amounts of vitamin K each day. They should also notify their health care providers before incorporating more greens into their diet. Studies have shown that increasing your intake of green leafy vegetables may help prevent certain diseases.

A study published in the journal Neurology found that a diet containing one serving of green leafy vegetables per day is associated with slower age-related cognitive decline. A large meta-analysis showed that the consumption of green leafy vegetables including cruciferous vegetables significantly reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease. And one study even showed that increasing your intake of green leafy vegetables may improve the effectiveness of omega-3 supplements in certain populations, although researchers acknowledged that more research is needed to confirm the benefit.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest. We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Spinach , kale, collard greens , cabbage, and beet greens—these are just a handful of the most commonly consumed leafy green veggies. Not only are they rich in key vitamins and minerals, but they're also very versatile and can be prepared in a number of different ways. Whether you enjoy leafy greens raw in a salad, blended in a fruit smoothie , or cooked and served as a hearty side, there are many ways you can incorporate these nutrient-dense veggies into your diet.

Below, learn what the latest research has revealed about the potential health benefits of leafy greens. There are many reasons why you should eat a bowl filled with fresh, leafy green veggies. Leafy green vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet.

Eating a diet rich in leafy greens can offer numerous health benefits including reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and mental decline 1. Kale is considered one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables on the planet due to its many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It also contains antioxidants such as lutein and beta-carotene, which reduce the risk of diseases caused by oxidative stress 3.

Kale is rich in minerals, antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamins A, C and K. Microgreens are immature greens produced from the seeds of vegetables and herbs.

They typically measure 1—3 inches 2. Since the s, they have often been used as a garnish or decoration, but they have many more uses. In fact, one study found that microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients compared to their mature counterparts. Some of these nutrients include vitamins C, E and K 5. Microgreens can be grown in the comfort of your own home all year round, making them easily available.

Microgreens are immature greens, which have been popular since the s. Collard greens are loose leaf greens, related to kale and spring greens. They have thick leaves that taste slightly bitter. Collard greens are a good source of calcium and the vitamins A, B9 folate and C. Vitamin K is known for its role in blood clotting. In addition, more research is being done regarding its ability to improve bone health 7.

One study in 72, women aged 38—63 found that those with vitamin K intakes below mcg per day had a significantly increased risk of hip fractures, suggesting a link between this vitamin and bone health 8. Collard greens have thick leaves and are bitter in taste. Spinach is a popular leafy green vegetable and is easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, including soups, sauces, smoothies and salads. One study on the neural tube defect spina bifida found that one of the most preventable risk factors for this condition was a low intake of folate during the first trimester of pregnancy Along with taking a prenatal vitamin, eating spinach is a great way to increase your folate intake during pregnancy.

Spinach is a popular leafy green vegetable that can be used in a variety of ways. Cabbage is formed of clusters of thick leaves that come in green, white and purple colors. It belongs to the Brassica family, along with Brussels sprouts, kale and broccoli Animal studies have found that foods that contain these plant compounds may have cancer-protective properties, especially against lung and esophageal cancer 13 , Another benefit of cabbage is that it can be fermented and turned into sauerkraut , which provides numerous health benefits, such as improving your digestion and supporting your immune system.

It may even aid weight loss 15 , 16 , 17 , Cabbage has thick leaves and comes in various colors. It has cancer-protective properties and can be turned into sauerkraut, which offers additional health benefits. Since the Middle Ages, beets have been claimed to be beneficial for health.



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