Your grandparents knew the benefits of green vegetables. How many times did you hear the phrase at the dinner table, “you need to eat your veggies”? They knew that vegetables had many vitamins and minerals our growing bodies needed. The reason people take so many multi vitamins is because they are not eating enough natural food to give their body what it needs.
The vitamin and mineral benefits of green vegetables are quite impressive. They are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. The vitamins found in green vegetables include vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins required for a healthy body. They also include beta-carotene which protects our eyes and enhances our immunity system.
When most people think of green vegetables they automatically have pictures of lettuce and spinach in their minds. But there are many green vegetables that you may have not even thought of. You will be surprised at some of the benefits of green vegetables that you can start bringing to your dinner table.
Avocado For Eye Health and Cholesterol Control
The avocado is great source of monounsaturated fat which is good for the heart according to the good people at avocado.org. Avocado raises the HDL (good cholesterol) which helps protect our arteries while lowering levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). They also have 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein, which several studies suggest may help maintain healthy eyes.
Broccolini, Rich in Cancer Fighting Nutrients
Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. It is full of nutrients that have been shown to fight cancer. It has similar nutritional value as broccoli but also contains as much vitamin C as orange juice.
Brussell Sprouts Another Cancer Risk Reducer
Brussell sprouts contain phytochemicals which have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers. They are also very rich in vitamin C and a source of vitamin A and potassium. The trick is to buy small light green sprouts and cook them very lightly.
Kale For Vitamins and Fiber
Kale is a form of cabbage and actually comes from the same family as brussell sprouts. The benefits of this green vegetable go beyond the rich source of vitamin K, C, and beta-carotene. In an article at World’s Healthiest Foods it says kale also has the health benefit of fiber. A cup of kale provides over ten percent of the daily value for fiber.
Okra For Another Source Of Fiber
Southern folks have known about the great taste of okra for years. The fiber found in okra helps in stabilizing the blood sugar by slowing the rate that sugar is absorbed into the digestive system. The vitamin C that is found in okra is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can curtail the development of asthma symptoms.
As you can see there are many more varieties of green vegetables than just lettuce and bell peppers. You can be enjoying the benefits of green vegetables in many different ways every day. Start picking up a new vegetable and making it part of your daily diet. You and your family will benefit and you will even expand your tastebud horizons along the way.
Sources:
Avocado.org
Healthy Living
World’s Healthiest Foods
Kale
