Here's Why You Should Eat Green Vegetables

By Donna Stark

Do you remember being told to "eat your greens" when you were a young child? And if so, do you remember all the tricks you used to play to make it look as if you did? As a child, green vegetables were never an exciting or appealing part of dinner, however, as an adult, you know better. You know how beneficial greens can be to your overall health and wellness, but knowing doesn't always equate to doing, does it? If you still find it difficult to fill your daily diet with the recommended number of green vegetables, keep reading. It may bring some extra motivation to add them into your weekly menu planning.

Why You Should Eat Green Vegetables

The reason you should consider adding more green vegetables to your meals isn't that they add a pretty color to your plate, but rather because they improve both your physical and mental well-being. Greens are loaded with powerful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep your body functioning the way it was intended. Take a look at some of the most common ones and their benefits below.

Kale - Adding more kale to your diet will increase the levels of beta-carotene and Vitamin K you consume, which can help support healthy, glowing skin and strong bones.

Dark, leafy greens - Dark, leafy greens can help relieve stress and support cardiovascular health. But that's not all! They are also excellent detoxifiers. 

Avocados - Avocados are great for Vitamin E, fiber, and healthy fats. They can help ease osteoarthritis, reduce the risk of depression, and boost brain health and memory.

Broccoli - You can count on broccoli for some amazing health benefits!. The nutrients found in broccoli lower blood glucose levels and help support bone health, optimal brain function, and a healthy immune response.

Spinach - The folate in spinach facilitates the production of the chemicals that transfer messages from the brain to other parts of the body.

Edamame - Edamame is a wonderful way to add more protein to your diet and lower the levels of cholesterol in your body. Eaten warm or cold, you can't go wrong with these soybeans.

Incorporating More Greens Into Your Diet

Now that you have some amazing reasons to eat more greens, how do you incorporate them into your daily life? Well, anyway you'd like, that's how! You can roast them, steam them, boil them, and fry them. You can toss them in a salad, blend them into your morning smoothies, or simply eat them raw. There really is no limit in the ways to enjoy them, so you may as well just start! You have nothing to lose.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Appleton, Wis.