Mostly likely, you’ve walked around the grocery store and picked up a bag of arugula or spinach and felt determined to add it to your salad because of all the health benefits you’ve heard they are chocked full of. We thought we’d kick things up a notch and give you the low down on the most popular of the leafy greens and why exactly they are considered among the healthiest foods you and your family can eat!
Arugula:
Rich in vitamin K which ultimately helps with osteoporosis and inflammation. This super green also has glucosinolates, which may ward off certain cancers. You also cannot beat the taste!
Butter Lettuce (Boston or Bibb):
Rich in vitamin A, vitamin k, and iron. Just 2 cups of this stuff supplies 85% of your daily need for each of those vitamins. Butter lettuce is also a fantastic base for a bunless burger, or a lettuce wrap!
Collard Greens:
Collard greens are excellent to saute into any dish especially since they are high in calcium, fiber, folate, lutein, and beta carotene.
Kale:
Kale has become a staple nowadays; you can order it at almost any restaurant and find it in most grocery stores. Its not hard to see what this is the case since kale is an excellent source of vitamins C and k, lutein, and zeaxanthin which is said to help age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Whether eaten fresh in a salad or simply sauteed with spices, kale is a great green to turn to!
Spinach:
Adding a cup of spinach to any meal can pack quite the healthy punch! Spinach is known for packing a hefty does of vitamin K, potassium, and folate. In fact, if you cook your spinach down it will also supply you with iron and calcium, how cool is that? This green is truly a powerhouse!
Swiss Chard:
Swiss chard makes an excellent add on to any veggie stew or sauteed with spices and garlic as a side dish! A cup of Swiss chard will provide you with all the vitamin K, A, and C you need per day, as well as antioxidant carotenoids and flavonoids.
Hungry for more info on leafy greens? Make sure to talk to your providers about our Great Medi-Greens and ways to add them to your diet!