The Importance of Leafy Greens in Your Diet

“Eat your vegetables so your body would become stronger.” This is said by parents from all over the world, all the time. In many ways, this has been proven time and again to be true. Of course, you are more than welcome to eat them all, but an argument can be made that you should put an emphasis on consuming leafy greens.

Why is it so important to include leafy greens in your diet? Below are just some of the reasons why you should start eating them in bunches.

They are an excellent source of vitamins

Plant-based foods have always been loaded with vitamins. However, leafy greens excel in this regard. They are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, E, and K, which are essential for maintaining various bodily functions. Leafy greens are considered one of the best sources of folate, a vitamin essential for healthy fetal brain development. Only one serving of leafy greens should give you your daily fix of vitamins.

They are also a great source of minerals

As much as they are praised for having high vitamin content, their mineral content is even more impressive. Leafy greens are considered the best source of calcium and potassium, especially for those who are following vegetarian diets. They are also great sources of magnesium and manganese.

Green leafy vegetables have loads of dietary fiber

The main benefit of having leafy greens in your diet is perhaps best exemplified by its abundance of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining the health of the digestive tract (specifically the intestines) and helps in lowering serum cholesterol. Leaves are naturally rich in fiber, so make sure to have some of it in your daily meals.

ALSO READ: Recommended Daily Fiber Intake: The Lowdown

Leafy greens contain betaine

Betaine is one of the most underrated nutrients around, mainly because people don’t seem to talk much about it. However, it is as vital as every vitamin or mineral there is. With its ability to regulate homocysteine levels in the body, it promotes the health of endothelial cells and reduces the risk of heart disease.

They reduce heterocyclic amines

Heterocyclic amines, also called HCAs, are byproducts of preparing meals using high heat. These substances are carcinogenic, so lowering their levels inside your body should be a very good idea. Leafy greens such as spinach have the ability to reduce the absorption of HCAs in your body, saving you from its detrimental effects.

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They are low in calories

Calories have always been an issue for most health-conscious individuals. Eating more green leafy veggies is a great way to stay filled while keeping your caloric consumption under control. Fun fact: Greens are considered as having the most nutrition per calorie among all foods. If you want to cut calories in a healthy way, going green is the solution.

Leafy greens are a virtual health supplement replacement

A lot of people take multivitamins, antioxidants, and other types of supplements. Little do they know that leafy greens are one of the best natural health supplement alternatives around. It’s a fact that they contain all kinds of nutrients.

What’s even better is that there are no side effects associated with the consumption of too many greens, as long as you rotate them. Click here to learn more about the importance of rotating your greens.

Never underestimate the importance of leafy greens in your diet. They are a vital part of any healthy diet, so make sure to include them in yours!