For Better Health, Please Pass the Leafy Greens
By Tom Herrin
For those of us who are older, it was pretty regularly heard that we should eat our greens. It seemed as if spinach was especially distasteful. Had it not been for Popeye, many kids might have never tried it at all. The fact is that leafy greens really are good for people, and they may be able to replace many heavier types of foods for their nutritional value. They just don't carry some of the risks that are associated with some of the alternatives. They are certainly worth investing a little effort to find the ones that may seem to help get the most out of meals.
They May Help Manage Cholesterol Levels
In today's world, many people have unknowingly compromised good health that can come from a meal for things that tend to increase health problems. One of those that is pretty common is poor quality meats or food that is prepared in poor quality cooking oils. Eating more leafy greens can help by increasing the supply of good nutrients. This may help to remove some of the things that can block blood vessels and result in cardiovascular issues.
They May Help With Weight Loss
Leafy greens can be a good filler. That is, they may help people to feel fuller without being overly full with heavy foods. Since they have lots of nutrients, they will likely do a better job of satisfying hunger so that people are not driven to go searching for more things to stop that feeling. They also have a generally high water content. This can be another way of helping people to feel satisfied since, many times, they feel hungry due to the fact that they are actually thirsty.
They May Help Increase Energy
If we refer back to the Popeye scenario, we all pretty much know that he was strong to the finish because he ate his spinach. When we get an adequate supply of iron, our blood can do a better job of carrying oxygen to the body. This means that energy is released through the burning of food that takes place. When I have felt tired and lacking energy, I have found that eating more leafy greens has given me a pretty good lift in a short period of time. If you have had that problem, try it and see what it does for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Hollywood, Calif.