Oh, those leafy greens. You may not like them. They’re simple and are certainly are not fancy. Best of all, you don’t have to be a gourmet to reap the proven multi-faceted benefits of leafy greens. It is a big mistake not to include leafy greens as part of your daily diet. Many nutritionists recommend a leafy green with every meal, including breakfast.
As healthy as leafy greens are, there are still lingering myths that may be ingrained in all of us. People mistakenly believe that by eating leafy greens, they will not gain weight. A report from the National Cancer Institute indicates that persons who eat more greens than meat weigh between 3 and 20 percent less than meat eaters.
However, nutritionists warn that too many leafy greens can cause a number of deficiencies in protein, vitamins and nutrients. Leafy greens are healthy, but a balanced diet is best.
Another myth about leafy greens is their relationship to the gender of a baby. The myth is that when the mother’s diet consists of leafy greens before conception, the child will be a girl. Conversely, if the mother eats meats and high protein foods, the infant will be a boy. There is no scientific evidence to prove this myth.
A serious medical myth about the relationship between the drug Coumadin and leafy greens has been dispelled by Bristol-Myers Squib. Many physicians are under the false belief that persons taking these bold thinners should not eat leafy greens. The pharmaceutical recommends that persons using the drug stick to a balanced diet.
Facts About Leafy Greens
Rather than dwell on myths about leafy greens, let’s talk facts. The first significant fact is that leafy greens are an excellent defense against Type 2 Diabetes. According to information from CVS, 223,512 participants were observed in an uncontrolled study. The result was that persons with high leafy green intake were at a lower risk of Type 2 Diabetes. At the same time, persons who digested other vegetables and fruits had no decrease in the risk of diabetes. CVS also reports that a Harvard School of Public Health report claimed that persons who include leafy greens in their diet, have a 23 percent less per cent chance of diabetes.
According to a report from WebMd, the healthiest greens are:
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Spinach
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Arugula
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Broccoli
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Kale
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Turnip greens
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Collards
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Red, green leaf and romaine lettuce
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Cabbage
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Mustard greens
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Swiss chard
These vegetables have concentrated levels of nutritious minerals and vitamins. Leafy greens serve as a cleanser for the liver and provide the body the following goodies.
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Fiber – Regulates blood sugar.
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Protein – Just the right amount.
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Calcium – Strengthen your bone mass.
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Vitamin A – Excellent for bone mass and vision.
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Vitamin B – Good for the nervous system.
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Vitamin C – Replenishes the immune system.
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Vitamin K – Helps the body heal.
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Iron – Also supports the immune system and cognitive function.
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Chlorophyll – Make the greens green and provides oxygen.
About Spinach
As can be seen, leafy greens build the body’s resistance. As more and more of us trend to leafy greens, spinach remains a very positive vegetable. The flavonoids have excellent anti-cancer traits. One cup of raw spinach contains 7 calories. One cup of boiled spinach contains 41 calories. This is why spinach is a favorite with weight conscious persons.
The neoxanthin and violaxanthin in spinach are terrific for providing anti-inflammatory assistance. And, believe it or not, just like your mother told you, the beta carotene in spinach helps your vision. The vitamin A in spinach is helpful for maintain healthy looking and feeling skin. Unlike your mother told you, spinach does not make for curly hair.
What are you waiting for? Go leafy green. Live longer, feel better and enjoy improved cognitive powers.
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