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7 Reasons Why You Should Eat Green Leafy Vegetables

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eat-your-greensI do not know too many people who enjoy eating vegetables, let alone green leafy vegetables. Everyone probably had a grandmother who told you to eat your greens and they probably had a pot of greens on the stove each time you visited.

I will never forget my first introduction to turnip greens. My grandmother would eat turnip greens and cornbread with her fingers. Yes, I know that sounds country, but that’s how country folk get down. It’s not eating if you cannot get your fingers in the food.

My grandmother had cooked a pot of turnip greens and if I wanted to eat, I had to eat the food she prepared. I had to force those turnip greens down, because they were bitter and I just could not stand the taste.

At the time the turnip greens were the worst tasting food I had ever eaten, but when I look back on it, the turnip greens weren’t that bad.

I was not used to the taste and vowed to myself that I would never like greens, especially turnip greens.  I just could not understand why people ate greens and I knew I would never eat them again.

It is 2012 and guess what, I enjoy eating turnip greens. I welcome the bitter taste and everything that any green leafy vegetable has to offer.

Green leafy vegetables provide excellent health benefits and you can eat them in many ways.  I have no excuse for not eating green leafy vegetables everyday.

Greens Taste Bad

Creativity is key when it comes to green leafy vegetables. Most people cannot stand the taste of any green leafy vegetable, but there are many ways that you can get around this.

There are many ways you can eat greens, all while enjoying the unique taste of each type of green leafy vegetable that you eat. Here are some ways you can eat greens:

  • Raw
  • Lightly steamed/wilted/sautéed/braised
  • Boiled
  • In Soups
  • On Sandwiches
  • Green Smoothies
  • Green Juices
  • Served under a pâté, or protein of your choice

Remember, herbs, spices and different seasonings can make your greens quite tasty.

There are many ways you can eat green leafy vegetables, remember creativity is key.

What Is a Green Leafy Vegetable?

A green leafy vegetable is the part of the leaves of a plant that one eats. This includes herbs, greens, vegetable greens, or salad greens. Here are examples of green leafy vegetables:

  • Basil
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Asian greens (Bok choy, Chinese cabbage, etc)
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Collard greens
  • Kale
  • Rutabaga tops
  • Turnip greens
  • Spinach
  • Arugula
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Beet tops
  • Carrot tops
  • Swiss Chard

There are many more, I’ve only listed a few

Reasons Why You Should Eat Green Leafy Vegetables

You cannot stand the taste of vegetables, let alone green leafy vegetables. And you’re wondering why on Earth should I eat this stuff? Well, green leafy vegetables have much to offer you, and your body will thank you for giving it the good stuff. Eat green leafy vegetables because:

  1. They are high in vitamins and minerals. – Vitamins A, E, C, K, iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, folic acid, carotenoids, Omega 3 fatty acid.  *some are high in sulfur

  2. They have antioxidants which help prevent cell damage.

  3. They are high in fiber, which help sweep out your digestive system and keep things flowing regular.

  4. They help lower the risk cancer.

  5. They help lower the risk of heart disease

  6. They help you lose weight, very low in calories.

  7. They are low in carbohydrates and have a low glycemic level. Perfect food for those who are diabetic.

Green Leafy Vegetables are Your Best Friend

Make eating green leafy vegetables a part of your diet. Eat them daily. If you find it hard to eat green leafy vegetables, why not whip up a green smoothie or a green juice. No more excuses! Let’s do this!

Image: artemisphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Comments

  1. Important information. Greens really have a lot of health benefits but so few people eat them. I like them in all kinds of salads and thrown in at the end for stir frys. Have them in smoothies too. Some of the best antioxidants in them are fat-soluble though so it’s worth adding some health fats like coconut or avocado oil to your smoothie or meal.

  2. Hi Evelyn
    Like you and your grandmother, we had to eat cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage amongst other healthy veges – we weren’t given a choice, if you didn’t eat it there was no alternative, no pandering like there is today, we weren’t given peanut butter sandwiches if we didn’t eat our dinner! Now the three kids are all fit and healthy and in their 50s and we all love veges and Mum and Dad are still living independently and in their mid-80s.

    Where we live there is a very high Asian population, so we also get all the lovely Chinese veges which are so fantastic in stir fries and soups. I am intrigued by Kale as it seems to be big in the US but I haven’t seen it at all in Australia. It may be available in other states but not Qld.

    • Hi Jan,

      That’s great that the kids are fit and healthy, not only that your parents are doing well. Most people in their mid-80s that I have known and those I know who are alive, are not in good health and living independently, so that’s a blessing for your parents.

      I tried to grow some Chinese veggies one year, and I had little success. I’d love to be in your shoes.

      Good to see you.

      Evelyn

  4. Of all the green veggies listed in your excellent post, I regularly use only Lettuce. I guess it is about time to extend my diet. Thanks for this info.

  5. Evelyn,

    As a vegetarian, I like many vegetables, but my favorites have been spinach and kale. When I was pregnant, I had crazy cravings for spinach salad with walnuts. I guess my body needed it then.

    I totally agree with 7 reasons for eating green healthy leaves, it is good for vegan, vegetarian, raw food people and meat eater alike.

    Preeti

    • Hey Preeti!

      You know, I love spinach and kale. They are my favorite too. Your cravings were healthy and that’s good. 😉

      Yeah, so true, this is good for anyone, no matter the diet.

      Good to see you and take care!

      EP

  6. Hi Evelyn,

    Greens are one of my favorite foods. Loved your grandma story, reminds me of my grandma…. Greens and bread! She was also a huge fan of greens. Cooked Italian style mind you but unlike you, I thought they were delicious!

    It is kind of amazing how people from so many different backgrounds and nationalities enjoy the same foods.

    Have a great week 🙂

    • Hey Kathy!

      Mine too! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the story about my grandmother. Yes she was!

      I enjoy any style, as long is the flavor pops, I’ll eat them.

      Yes, it is!

      Thanks for stopping by and you have a great week too.

  8. They also reduce systemic acidity in your body, reducing inflammation and cellular glycation…making you feel healthy and reducing your likelihood of diabetes, heart disease, alzheimer’s, cancer….and premature death.

    🙂