7 Surprising Benefits of Adding Leafy Greens to Your Meals

You must have heard ‘eat your greens’ from your loved ones and your healthcare professional repeatedly. Their insistence on eating leafy greens cannot be undermined, as these humble vegetables are a treasure of nutrients, which are beneficial for health in multiple ways. So if you are not really a fan of veggies and wonder why you should eat leafy greens, give this article a read.

In this blog, we have listed the 7 amazing benefits of leafy greens for health, which will help you know the contribution these nutrition-packed foods can make to your overall well-being. Keep reading to learn more.

Common green vegetables

While some greens are more nutrient-dense compared to others, all of them are beneficial additions to your diet. Here is a list of some common green vegetables that may help add nutrition and flavour to your plate:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Mustard greens
• Cabbage
• Watercress
• Silverbeet (Swiss chard)
• Bok choy
• Lettuce
• Collard greens

Why add leafy greens to your diet?

If the vibrant colours and a variety of tastes are not enough reasons to encourage you to add leafy greens to your diet, take a look at the 7 health benefits of leafy greens:

Nutrient-dense & low in calories

The leafy greens’ nutrition profile is very elaborate. These veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Greens help add essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, K & E, magnesium, potassium, iron, folate, etc., to the diet. On top of it, these vegetables are low in carbohydrates, sodium, and cholesterol. Due to this low-calorie structure, leafy greens may work as a good option for weight management purposes.

Beneficial for skin health

Leafy greens are often rich in beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A that may help support the skin’s glow. It may also work as a natural sunscreen, protecting the skin from the harmful UV rays. Studies suggest that the use of greens like kale in cooking and juicing may help the body better absorb beta-carotene.

Good for the gut

Green vegetables contain insoluble fibre (roughage), which may help stimulate the digestive tract for food movement through the intestines. Leafy greens also help support the production of digestive enzymes, and thus may help reduce the chances of bloating and constipation. Besides, cruciferous veggies, like Brussels sprouts, may help protect the body against gut infections. A healthy gut also plays an important role in general well-being. Read Why Gut Health Matters for A Healthy Life, to learn more.

Natural immunity support

Research suggests that greens, like kale, arugula (rocket), broccoli, and moringa leaf, may help facilitate a healthy response to oxidative stress, and thus may help support a healthy immune system response.

May help manage stress

Dark leafy greens contain folate, which may help the body produce mood-regulating happy hormones, like dopamine and serotonin. Green vegetables are also a good source of magnesium, a mineral essential for the body’s stress response. Thus, adding greens to the diet may help relieve stress.

May support eye health

Green vegetables, like spinach and kale, contain lutein, an antioxidant that is stored in the macula. Studies show that this lutein may help protect the lens of the eye from UV radiation. Eating leafy greens can thus be beneficial for eye health.

Energy support

Leafy greens are a good source of vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients are necessary for energy production and oxygen transport in the body. A boost of green vegetables in the diet may help avoid fatigue and low-energy feelings.

Can supplements help?

Though leafy greens are best when taken in their natural form, not all of them are available all year round. Here is when adding supplements to your diet may come to your aid. Some of the dietary supplements include:

• Vital Organic Greens Powder: A blend of 6 green superfood ingredients, including kale, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, barley grass and wheat grass, which may help support energy, immunity and general health.
• Morlife Alkalising Greens Powder: A combination of greens, fruits and vegetables, which may help provide immune and energy support. This powder is available in different flavours.
• JSHealth Greens + Collagen, Nourish + Re-energise Powder: It is a blend of wheatgrass, barley grass, broccoli, kale, and spinach. This powder contains vitamins C, E, & K, folate, phytonutrients and antioxidants, which may help support general wellness as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions regarding leafy green vegetables:

Q. Can I eat leafy greens every day?

A. You can eat leafy greens every day as part of a healthy and balanced diet. These nutrient-dense foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and may help support digestion and immune system health. However, consider adding a variety of greens to the diet instead of over-consuming one or two, to avoid digestive issues.

Q. How are green vegetables better to eat: raw or cooked?

A. Raw leafy greens are good for heat-sensitive nutrients, like vitamin C. Whereas, cooking may help increase the absorption of minerals (calcium, iron, etc.) and antioxidants (carotenoids). Thus, including both raw and cooked greens in the diet may help give the best results.

Q. Can leafy greens detox my body?

A. Leafy greens contain chlorophyll, which may help neutralise toxins and support liver function. Also, the high fibre content in leafy greens may help support healthy digestion.

In the end

Green leafy vegetables may not be the personal favourites to your taste buds, but they are not all boring. The vibrant look and different tastes, along with the above-mentioned benefits of leafy greens, make them a healthy addition to your daily diet. Check out the variety of healthcare products available at healthsupplements.com.au, and order all that you need to support your greens intake.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.