The dense and versatile nutritional composition of leafy greens stands out in comparison to all other food groups. They truly are among the healthiest foods to eat. While other vegetables are also beneficial for your health, they come nowhere close to leafy greens. Green leafy vegetables offer many health benefits that target different bodily functions.
Listed below are the best green leafy vegetables for your health:
Spinach
This dark leafy green is everyone’s favourite, not just Popeye’s. A great addition to any meal, spinach is rich in folate, Vitamin A and Vitamin K. In fact, one cup of raw spinach is enough to fulfil an adult’s daily requirement of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for having strong bones since it improves the absorption of calcium. Furthermore, spinach contains a good amount of iron and magnesium. Iron provides the body with a lot of energy while magnesium facilitates muscle and nerve function. Research also suggests that spinach leaves may lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health since it’s high in antioxidants.
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the healthiest leafy greens and the star of all salads. Ironically, tons of people eat lettuce in fast food items such as burgers and sandwiches that are high in calories and low in nutrition. This refreshing leaf is loaded with vitamins A, B9 and K. It is also rich in minerals like iron, manganese and phosphorus. Moreover, it contains antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene. Be it red or green leaf lettuce, it is incredibly healthy. Due to its mild taste and versatility as an ingredient in various dishes, even picky eaters like eating lettuce. About 80 percent of your daily vitamin A needs are fulfilled by just 2 cups of lettuce.
Kale
Kale is the undisputed king of the green world. Even if it’s not as tasty as some of the other leafy greens, its nutritional content compensates for it. This slightly bitter vegetable is like your wonderwall of vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. It is rich in Vitamin K which builds stronger bones and protects you from osteoporosis. Vitamin K also makes proteins essential for normal blood clotting. Kale also houses other important vitamins like A and C.
Vitamin A helps maintain good vision and boost immune function. It also improves reproductive health. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is essential for tissue growth and repair.
Mustard Greens
Mustard greens are a powerhouse of antioxidants which lower our risk of developing many ailments. They are nutritious for the skin as well as for providing us with vitamins that improve immune function. They are rich in B Vitamins, Vitamin K and Vitamin C. Apart from being energy-boosting, they are excellent for heart health. Beta carotene and lutein are responsible for improving age-related decline in health.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek or methi patta is one of the best green leafy vegetables that improves our health in innumerable ways. It lowers blood sugar levels, and helps with achieving weight loss goals. It’s great for detoxing the body and flushing out toxins. It may reduce our risk of developing diabetes when we add this to our plant-based diet.
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