Spring greens are in season now and with all the rain we have had lately, they are thick, luscious and plentiful!!
Greens are such an important part of our diet and most of us are not getting near enough. They are high-alkaline foods, rich in nutrients and fiber, they help create a strong immune system and protect us against life threatening diseases. When it comes to greens you can eat an unlimited amount! That’s how good they are for you!
Let’s discuss the nutrient content of greens!
- Protein: Seems strange, I know. But one cup of cooked spinach has 5 grams of protein content. One cup of frozen broccoli has 5.8 grams. One cup of peas has 9 grams.
- Fiber: Crucial for a healthy digestive system and helps keep things moving!
- Calcium: Important for the formation of strong bones, teeth and maintenance of healthy gums, a regular heartbeat and transmission of nerve signals. It is also essential in blood clotting and may help lower blood pressure.
- Folate: Needed for energy production, strengthens immunity & vital in pregnancy.
- Beta-carotene & lutein: Powerful anticancer agents and protector against heart disease.
- Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E & Zinc: Help protect the body from harmful free radicals: therefore an important role in the prevention of disease.
Bottom Line is:
Greens have a very high nutrient content. To be quite honest, I don’t think we can even comprehend, let alone write an article on how vital they really are to our bodies. When I first started on my health journey, I dramatically increased my intake and noticed a big difference in my immunity!
How to eat them?
I recommend to my clients to fill half of their plates with vegetables at mealtimes and at least 1 meal should include some type of dark leafy green! You can use them in salads, steam or saute them, or in smoothies. Add them to eggs, soups & pasta dishes, it’s always great to be able to sneak them in somewhere! Check out my recipe page for some ideas!
Smoothies are a great way to get extra greens and a wonderful way to sneak them into your kid’s diet! Not to mention there are a lot of different kinds to choose from! Kale, Spinach, Bok Choy, different kinds of Lettuce, Arugula, Swiss Chard, Collards, Turnip Greens, Mustard Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage: experiment with different types and see what you like!
