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The health benefits of leafy greens are numerous. These foods are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that may help prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.
Leafy greens are experiencing something of a renaissance right now, with everyone shoveling down Kale like it’s going out of fashion. The funny thing is that there is some serious science behind upping your intake of dark green leafy vegetables, as they are not only delicious but full of nutrition as well. Read on to find out more about the many benefits of leafy greens.
They Are Great For Your Skin
Among the many benefits of leafy greens is that they are great for your skin health. Beta-carotene is a type of vitamin A that your skin adores for two main reasons. The first is that it helps to nourish it and keep it plump and elastic from the inside out. Secondly, beta-carotene supports the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV rays. The latter is vital to avoid premature aging and even cancer.
Of course, most people associate beta-carotene with the vegetable, carrots, and while these are a delicious and naturally sweet addition to any meal, they are not the only source. Indeed, leafy greens such as Kale are packed full of beta-carotene and the good news is you can access this by juicing it and adding it to a smoothie, by cooking your kale as part of a dinner dish or even by making those yummy kale crisps.
They Help Your Bones Stay Strong
Did you know that eating leafy greens can help improve your bone health? As surprising as it may seem, this is just one more amazing benefit of leafy greens!
You may think that you need to eat lots of dairy to ensure your bones stay strong, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Indeed, dairy can be a challenge to many of us that would prefer to stick to a vegan diet or have allergies.
The good news is the precious calcium that dairy contains can be found in leafy greens as well. In particular, broccoli is a great and delicious choice. This is because it’s stuffed full of calcium, vitamin K and vitamin C, which help your body access and manage its calcium levels. Indeed, the body will absorb calcium from broccoli at a rate of around 50% which is much higher than the celsius, absorption rate of milk which is around 5%.
They Help Control Your Glucose Levels
High blood sugar levels in the body are bad news. Apart from the mood fluctuations they can cause, it’s also linked to permanent damage to the kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
That is why taking steps to control your glucose levels with your diet is recommended. Fortunately, among the many benefits of leafy greens is that they can help you control glucose levels too. Indeed, even just a single extra servicing a day can make a significant difference.
Try broccoli, kale, and spinach for the best results. Oh, and you use products like this food saver bag to keep your leafy greens fresh and crisp until you need to eat them. After all, if you are going to want more of them in your diet, it’s worth making sure they are always as delicious as possible!
They Help Rid Your Body Of Toxins
If you are concerned about the build-up of toxins in your systems such as heavy metals, then upping your intake of leafy greens is most definitely a good idea. The reason is that they, by virtue of their color, contain plenty of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is brilliant at sticking to nasty toxins, thereby allowing them to be flushed out of your system. Not to mention that it also has a positive effect on the liver, making this flushing out process even more effective.
They Boost Your Immune System
Another sound reason to start taking into consideration the benefits of leafy greens and up your consumption of these amazing foods is that they help strengthen your body’s immune system. This is vital for anyone wanting to stay healthy, and also for those struggling with autoimmune conditions such as PA.
Of course, if you have such a condition, you will want to go well beyond upping your intake of greens and find an expert Psoriatic Arthritis doctor that can help you manage it. Although, anything you can do to strengthen your immune system will also be helpful.
I’ve mentioned this a few times so far, however, it warrants repeating. One of the most promising leafy greens benefits is how they support your immune system. Dark leafy greens such as moringa leaf facilitate a healthy response to oxidative stress caused by free radicals which, if left untreated, can lead to autoimmunity and heart disease. Studies specifically mention broccoli, arugula, and kale as vegetables that facilitate a healthy immune system response.
They Help Prevent Bloating
A diet that contains too much salt is often the cause of stomach bloating, but leafy greens can help. This is because leafy greens are full of potassium which helps to maintain the fluid equilibrium in your body.
Of course, the best option is always to reduce your salt intake, but adding a cup or two of your
favorite leafy green will help rid you of the bloating too!
Enjoy Your Leafy Greens For Longer
There are a few tricks you can use to make sure your leafy greens last as long as possible in your fridge so that you can enjoy their benefits without worrying about food wasting. First, make sure the greens you are storing are dry before putting them in the refrigerator. Moisture can cause all types of food spoilage, and greens are no exception. Choose freshie food saver bags to deposit them in the fridge, as they will help your produce stay fresh longer by minimizing the amount of air they are exposed to.
Next, use organic cotton produce bags when shopping for your green veggies. Avoiding plastic is not only good for your health as it prevents you from ingesting microplastic particles, but it is also helpful for the environment. Stay informed and be mindful of the amount of plastic being used and the global impact of its consumption. And most importantly, always remember to recycle!
If you enjoyed reading this article on the benefits of leafy greens, you might also enjoy:
- Ultimate Guide On How To Use Reusable Produce Bags
- Creating an Eco Friendly Garden
- Give Back to the Earth and Your Wallet By Turning Trash Into Cash
