If there is one food that you anyone would suggest you for a healthy lifestyle and ask you to take more of, its leafy greens. Playing a crucial role in any healthy diet, it is believed that our ancient ancestors eat up to six pounds of leaves per day. Packed with nutrition, they are a rich source of minerals and antioxidants which will help in cell protection.
There are several advantages in consuming greens, the Phytochemicals present in greens help prevent hardening of arteries and help in lowering inflammation linked to heart disease. Its combination of vitamins and minerals helps in detoxification and inhibit cancer cells from multiplying.
In addition, they are the single best source of natural nitrates when consumed gets converted by the body into nitric oxide, a gas that helps lower blood pressure. Human body produces less nitric oxide as it ages, in order to ensure that there is no deficiency one should eat even more nitrates that will help in normal functionality of the body. Having said that, it is good to consume three to five ounces of greens a day! Following are some of the six greens that will help in healthy lifestyle.
- Swiss chard
- Arugula
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Bok Choy
- Water cress
Swiss chard is a top source of syringic acid and kaempferol, antioxidants types that are less known. The former stabilizes blood sugar, while the latter protects cells against cancer-causing toxins while reducing your risk for heart and other chronic diseases.
Arugula has highest nitrate levels that will help increase blood flow.
Kale is a rich source of glucosinolates- cancer-thwarting compounds. Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, it helps prevent eye disease.
Watercress is enriched with vitamin k that helps regulate blood clotting.
Collard greens have properties that bind your stomach’s bile acids, and its special class of Phytochemicals will nourish the body’s natural detoxifying system.