Low on FIber? Eat More Green Leafy Vegetables!
By Stephen R. Farris
Are you getting enough fiber in your diet these days? Chances are you're probably lacking in that area. It's a wonder we get any fiber in our diet at all with all the fast food we consume these days from eating on-the-go all the time. Cooking and eating at home seems to be a past-time.
You can only get so much fiber from the lettuce in your salad. So it might be time to give your diet a fiber boost by adding green leafy vegetables of the darker variety, that is.
Green leafy veggies -- also known as cruciferous vegetables -- have lots of dietary benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, and of course, much needed fiber. They may also help reduce sickness by giving our immune system a lift.
Additional benefits may be:
- Prevention of certain types of cancer due to carotenoids found in green leafy vegetables. Carotenoids may also aid in preserving healthy vision.
- Green leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin C, which can aid in giving our immune system some help.
- They contain Vitamin E, which is good for skin health. Plus the antioxidants help protect our cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
- Green leafy vegetables contain potassium to help lower blood pressure and aid in our muscles contracting normally.
- And the best part is, they're low in carbs and calories, especially if you're trying to keep both of those at a minimum.
The Right Green Leafy Vegetables to Choose
Lettuce is good, but in order to reap the benefits of the dark green you might try substituting it for spinach, arugula, or kale. If you do a lot of Asian style cooking, throw in some bok choi, which contains Vitamin A and Vitamin K. For those home-cooked meals with meat, such as beef, chicken, and pork; you can't go wrong for vitamins, minerals and fiber by cooking side dishes that include either spinach, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Cabbage and cauliflower are additional side dishes you can prepare, and they can be cooked a variety of ways.
If you have questions about how to add more vitamins, minerals and fiber to your diet, visit with your local chiropractor to hear what tips and suggestions they can offer you to eat more healthy.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mukilteo, Wash.