As an unseparated and crucial part of a healthy diet, leafy green vegetables come with dozens of health benefits. They are packed with vitamins and minerals important for your digestive system as well as for improving your well-being. When you opt for something healthier, try leafy green veggies brimming with fiber and are low in calories.
Leafy greens are superfoods at their finest that are able to manage your weight, reduce the risk of some diseases such as diabetes, cancers, heart disease, fortify the immune system and boost bone health, and many more.
However, when it comes to getting the most nutritional pack, you should select the right greens that can make a big difference. Here are 5 of the healthiest leafy green vegetables to include in your healthy diet.
1. Kale
This superfood contains the most essential antioxidants for your body – Vitamin A, C, K, calcium, potassium, and tastes slightly bitter. You can pair it with fruit or add some sweet ingredients to your salad. It helps lower cholesterol and the risk of some types of cancer. Many nutritionists recommend adding it to a detox diet. The anti-inflammatory properties of kale ensure healthy lives and promote well-being. Consequently, it maintains eye health, the immune system, hydration, etc.
2. Spinach
Spinach is one of the nutritional powerhouse foods. It’s a great source of folate, vitamins A, C, E, K, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc. Spinach has an impressive nutrient profile. It is helpful for eyesight, red blood cell function, bone health, heart rate regulation and blood pressure. Another amazing thing about spinach is that it can easily be incorporated into many dishes – soups, smoothies, pasta, etc.
3. Chard
Chard is considered to be one of the best food-defense against diabetes. It is packed with plenty of anti-inflammatory compounds, minerals, and vitamins such as A, C, K, potassium, manganese, and others. Chard may be beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels and could ward off type 2 diabetes.
4. Lettuce
If you are looking for greens to make your salad more visually appealing yet healthy, then lettuce may be a worthy addition. To boost the nutritional value of your salad, you can mix and match lettuce with other leafy green veggies. It is a great source of vitamins A, C, K, folate; iron, potassium, phosphorus, and other minerals, lettuce is important for eye, bone, skin health. It also is a robust food easy to add to your plate.
5. Arugula
The arugula is an easy alternative to lettuce. It may be the healthiest green you’re not yet eating. Being high in antioxidants, arugula could offer protection from heart disease, cancer, and lower bad cholesterol in your body, boost bone health, and have been linked to many other benefits. Moreover, it’s a rich source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, and thiamin. So, arugula has a unique flavor that not everyone appreciates and uses on dishes.
To indulge and get the best of these leafy green vegetables, make sure to include a variety of these vegetables in your diet. They can be the basic niceties of your daily diet that are packed with many impressive health benefits.