It’s hard to imagine a more perfect food than leafy greens. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, these vegetables are low in calories and take up little room on your plate so you can eat more of them (or add other foods). They are also easy to prepare and cook, taste great raw or cooked, can be mixed into soups for added nutrients and flavor! These plants’ benefits are clear, and there may even be more benefits as research on leafy greens continues! Here are some of the most well-known benefits of eating leafy greens!
Contents
Promotes Brain Health
Your brain is one of the most vital organs in your body, so you want to take good care of it! Leafy greens are a great way to do that; they are full of essential vitamins and minerals, including folate and B vitamins, necessary for promoting healthy brain function. Floate is especially important for pregnant women as it helps prevent brain and spine birth defects. In addition, a recent study found that seniors who ate the leafiest greens had brains up to seven years younger than those of seniors who consumed fewer leafy greens! That’s pretty impressive!
Lowers Risk Of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in North America, so anything that can help reduce your risk of developing it is a big deal! Leafy greens are one of the best things you can eat for heart health. They’re high in fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels and keep your heart healthy and functioning properly. They’re also low in calories and fat, which helps keep your weight under control and reduces the strain on your heart. And finally, they’re rich in antioxidants, which protect your heart from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Lowers Risk Of Cancer
Cancer is one of the scariest diseases out there, and unfortunately, it’s becoming more and more common. But one thing that can help reduce your risk of developing cancer is eating leafy greens. They’re high in antioxidants and other cancer-fighting nutrients, which help to protect your cells from damage that can lead to cancer. Studies have shown that people who eat spinach and kale have a lower risk of developing cancer, especially cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
Improves Digestion
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your digestion very often. But it’s actually a crucial part of your health! And leafy greens can help improve your digestion by providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber helps keep things moving through your digestive system smoothly, while vitamins and minerals help support the function of all your digestive organs. Also, being low in calories, they won’t overload your system or cause problems like constipation. Research has even shown that eating leafy greens can help reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease.
Aids Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, leafy greens should definitely be a part of your diet! They’re low in fat and high in fiber, which helps you feel full without providing too many calories. In fact, one study showed that people who added a serving of leafy greens to their diet every day lost an average of 2 pounds over 12 weeks! Another study showed that women who ate spinach twice a day lost more weight and body fat than women who didn’t eat spinach at all! Losing weight can be challenging, but adding leafy greens to your diet is a great way to make it a little bit easier.
Promotes Skin Health
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s important to take good care of it! Leafy greens are a great way to do that, as they’re high in antioxidants, which help protect your skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution. They’re also rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for healthy skin. Vitamin A helps keep your skin smooth and elastic, while vitamin C helps fight against wrinkles and other signs of aging. Studies have even shown that eating leafy greens such as spinach and kale can help improve the appearance of acne and other skin problems.
Conclusion
Eating leafy greens is a great way to improve your overall health. They’re high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which help protect your body from cancer and other diseases. They’re also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for people who are trying to lose weight. Plus, they taste great and are perfect for adding to salads or smoothies. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your health, be sure to add some leafy greens to your diet!
